August M
Russian military officials are facing accusations of falsely labeling missing soldiers as deserters to avoid paying death benefits to their families, Digi24.ro reported.
The Kremlin typically provides large compensation packages — up to €140,000 — to relatives of killed or wounded soldiers.
But these payments are withheld if a service member is declared absent without leave or a deserter.
Sergei Lyapin, a senior Investigative Committee official in Russia’s Central Military District, said at a late-November conference that improper use of AWOL classifications has surged over the past year, notes Digi24.ro.
Lyapin was quoted as saying that “sixty percent” of AWOL cases lack justification and that commanders often assign the status without conducting the background checks required.
Desertion on the rise
The Institute for the Study of War noted in a March assessment that more than 50,000 Russian troops have deserted since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in 2022.
Analysts say the scale of desertions, together with heavy casualties, has increased pressure on local authorities to limit military expenditures.
War costs squeeze Russian regions
According to Digi24.ro, the allegations emerge as Russia struggles to meet soaring personnel costs. The research group “Re: Russia” estimates that spending on military pay could amount to almost 10% of total federal expenditure in the first half of 2025.
Some regions are already cutting back: Yakutia reportedly froze frontline payments last month, while other areas trimmed recruitment bonuses and awards for distinguished service.
With roughly 30% of national spending — around $150 billion — directed toward defense, Russia’s war-driven economy is straining under falling oil and gas revenues, new U.S. sanctions and rising inflation.
