Russian President Vladimir Putin has enacted legislation granting debt relief to new recruits joining the military to serve in Ukraine, as confirmed by a government website on Saturday.
Reports indicate that the law permits the cancellation of debt arrears up to 10 million roubles (£77,000) for individuals signing contracts with the Defence Ministry to serve in Ukraine for a minimum of one year, starting from 1 December.
To boost military enlistment, Russia has been offering significantly increased financial incentives, often far exceeding the national average income, to those willing to participate in the conflict.
The strategy has enabled a rise in troop numbers in the combat zone without the need for another general mobilisation, which in September 2022 led to widespread emigration from Russia.
Meanwhile, central bank data reveals a sharp rise in consumer borrowing since the Kremlin’s military campaign began in 2022, despite an increase in the central bank’s interest rate to 21% in October.
U.S. and Russian officials concluded more than four hours of talks in Riyadh on Tuesday in their first high-level discussion aimed at ending the war in Ukraine. The meeting, closely watched by Kyiv and its European allies, saw Moscow introduce a significant new demand.
President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, met with U.S. Special Envoy for Ukraine and Russia, Keith Kellogg, on Tuesday (February 18) at the Commission’s headquarters in Brussels.
A dialogue between US and Russian delegations has begun in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia. The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed the development in an official statement.
Oil transportation from Kazakhstan to global markets through the Tengiz–Novorossiysk pipeline has been reduced on Monday as a drone strike hit a pumping station in southern Russia.
Russia released a U.S. citizen on Monday, February 17, who had been detained on minor drug charges, just before high-level talks between Russian and U.S. officials in Saudi Arabia. The move comes as Moscow and Washington seek to improve strained relations.
The U.S. and Russia will hold more talks on ending the war in Ukraine, despite Kyiv’s exclusion and European concerns over U.S. concessions to Moscow. Russia hardened its stance, demanding NATO formally withdraw its 2008 pledge to admit Ukraine.
Russia on demanded that NATO formally retract its 2008 commitment to grant Ukraine membership in the alliance. Moscow also dismissed any suggestion of NATO troops acting as peacekeepers, following talks with U.S. officials in Saudi Arabia.
Pope Francis has developed bilateral pneumonia, further complicating his treatment for a respiratory infection, the Vatican said on Tuesday. All public events through Sunday have been cancelled, as the 88-year-old pontiff remains in hospital for ongoing care.
Burundi pulls its troops from eastern Congo as M23 rebels gain ground, seizing major cities. The UN reports child executions by rebels. Thousands flee to Burundi, facing overcrowded shelters. Uganda steps in to stop militia killings.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio outlined steps to restore U.S.-Russia relations and end the Ukraine war, emphasizing diplomacy, expert negotiations, and economic opportunities. He stressed the need for compromise on sanctions and reaffirmed President Trump’s commitment to lasting peace.
The iconic Dubai Fountain will close for five months starting in May for a major upgrade, enhancing its technology, choreography, and sound system. Visitors can expect a more spectacular show when it returns in October.
Russian President has invited his U.S. counterpart, along with leaders from many other countries to Moscow in May to attend the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, which Russians refer to as the "Great Patriotic War."
Public sector strikes are causing major disruptions across Germany, including halted public transport in Frankfurt, as workers demand higher pay and better conditions.
USAID has long promoted itself as a supporter of press freedom, but reports suggest its media funding may have influenced domestic narratives in Europe and post-Soviet states. With the Trump administration freezing its grants, the agency’s role in shaping global information is under scrutiny.
A Delta Air Lines regional jet flipped upside down upon landing at Toronto Pearson Airport on Monday, injuring 18 people. Officials are investigating whether strong winds and snow played a role in the incident.
The U.S. and Russia will hold more talks on ending the war in Ukraine, despite Kyiv’s exclusion and European concerns over U.S. concessions to Moscow. Russia hardened its stance, demanding NATO formally withdraw its 2008 pledge to admit Ukraine.
Russia on demanded that NATO formally retract its 2008 commitment to grant Ukraine membership in the alliance. Moscow also dismissed any suggestion of NATO troops acting as peacekeepers, following talks with U.S. officials in Saudi Arabia.
Burundi pulls its troops from eastern Congo as M23 rebels gain ground, seizing major cities. The UN reports child executions by rebels. Thousands flee to Burundi, facing overcrowded shelters. Uganda steps in to stop militia killings.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio outlined steps to restore U.S.-Russia relations and end the Ukraine war, emphasizing diplomacy, expert negotiations, and economic opportunities. He stressed the need for compromise on sanctions and reaffirmed President Trump’s commitment to lasting peace.
The U.S. and Russia will hold more talks on ending the war in Ukraine, despite Kyiv’s exclusion and European concerns over U.S. concessions to Moscow. Russia hardened its stance, demanding NATO formally withdraw its 2008 pledge to admit Ukraine.
Russia on demanded that NATO formally retract its 2008 commitment to grant Ukraine membership in the alliance. Moscow also dismissed any suggestion of NATO troops acting as peacekeepers, following talks with U.S. officials in Saudi Arabia.
Pope Francis has developed bilateral pneumonia, further complicating his treatment for a respiratory infection, the Vatican said on Tuesday. All public events through Sunday have been cancelled, as the 88-year-old pontiff remains in hospital for ongoing care.
Burundi pulls its troops from eastern Congo as M23 rebels gain ground, seizing major cities. The UN reports child executions by rebels. Thousands flee to Burundi, facing overcrowded shelters. Uganda steps in to stop militia killings.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio outlined steps to restore U.S.-Russia relations and end the Ukraine war, emphasizing diplomacy, expert negotiations, and economic opportunities. He stressed the need for compromise on sanctions and reaffirmed President Trump’s commitment to lasting peace.
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