Saratov, a region in southern Russia, has joined several other areas in reducing military contract bonuses for personnel stationed there. The decision to cut bonuses from 2 million rubles to the minimum allowed by law has sparked debate among local officials and military representatives.
Regional authorities cited economic pressures as the primary rationale for the reduction. With budget constraints tightening across the country, many regions are seeking to reallocate funds to other pressing needs, such as healthcare and education. The move is part of a broader pattern of cost-cutting measures seen in several Russian regions, including Chelyabinsk, Krasnoyarsk, and Omsk.
Military personnel stationed in Saratov have expressed concern over the decision, with some reporting that the change could affect morale and recruitment efforts. The Ministry of Defense has not yet issued an official statement on the matter, though it is expected to address the issue in the coming weeks. This reduction marks another step in the ongoing adjustments to military spending and personnel incentives within the Russian Federation.