Moscow Prepares 18-Year-First Move to Delay December Military Salaries Amid Budget Crunch
Russia’s Defense Ministry drafts order to push December troop pay to January 2027, a first in 18 years, as federal budget deficits widen.
POLICY WIRE — Moscow, Russia — Russia’s Defense Ministry is reportedly drafting an order to postpone December salary payments for its personnel until January 2027, according to reports from independent Russian outlet Verstka.
If adopted, the measure would mark the first time in at least 18 years that the Russian military has delayed its annual December pay cycle.
The proposed shift targets service members who are not currently deployed in the war against Ukraine, leaving front-line troops exempt from the delay.
The move coincides with a widening federal budget deficit, which is projected to rise to 3.2% of GDP as the government faces funding constraints at year-end.
Under existing rules established in 2019, military salaries are typically processed between the 10th and 20th of each month, with December payments specifically due by Dec. 25.
Verstka first reported the details of the draft order on Oct. 30, highlighting the unprecedented nature of the financial decision.
Bloomberg also cited the growing fiscal strain as the primary driver for the proposal, noting the budget gap’s impact on defense spending.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)
