The Cost of Staying Alive in Russia’s War: Bribes, Threats and No Way Out

Russian troops reportedly bribe commanders to avoid deadly missions, exposing deep corruption as soldiers pay thousands for safer roles, leave – or survival. Make us preferred on Google Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied (Image by Depositphotos) Content Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied Flip Make us preferred on Google Russian soldiers in Ukraine frequently bribe their commanders to avoid being sent on high-risk missions, according to an investigation that reveals widespread corruption within the military. Contract soldiers can earn in a few months at the front what would otherwise take them years in civilian jobs, receiving hefty bonuses when they sign contracts with Russia’s Defense Ministry.  Follow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official . But many service members end up losing much of this money at the front, handing over hundreds of thousands,  in some cases millions , of rubles to superiors in exchange for safer duties or the chance to leave, the independent Russian news site Meduza reported.  One soldier, identified as Mikhail, told the publication he joined the Russian military because he needed cash to pay for treatment for his sick mother.  But when he arrived at the front line, his commander said he would be sent on a so-called “meat assault” if he didn’t  gift his superior  the money for an all-terrain vehicle.  “I didn’t want to die, so I agreed. I gave them my card, and they charged me a million rubles,” Mikhail said.   Russian soldiers get big bonuses for joining the war – but spend most of it on staying alive. Photo: Sefa Karacan/Anadolu via Getty Images Other Topics of Interest Ukraine and Norway Sign Major Drone Deal Ukraine secured major military cooperation in Oslo hours after agreeing a €4 billion defense package with Germany in Berlin. Citing current and former service members, Meduza reported that bribes can range from around 50,000 rubles (about €560) to 500,000 rubles (about €5,500) for leave.   Avoiding deployment to “meat assaults” can cost up to one million rubles (about €11,000), while obtaining a fake wound certificate—needed to qualify for leave and compensation—may cost as much as six million rubles (roughly €67,000).  Another soldier, Ilya, who spoke to Meduza, said that  commanders were also saving  up to buy wound certificates.  “They just don’t want to fight,” he said, adding: “They understand that sooner or later their own people will shoot them.”  Those soldiers who refuse or cannot pay are pushed closer to the front line to increase the likelihood they will be killed. “It’s simple. Either you agree to pay, or you know the consequences,” Ilya said.  Yet terminating a contract is “absolutely impossible,” regardless of how much money is offered, Mikhail told Meduza, adding: “Even  the armless and legless  couldn’t sign off.”