Christina Hebel and Alexander Chernyshev in Der Spiegel: ‘A one-time bonus of 3.6 million rubles – the equivalent of almost 40,000 euros – deposited into the account no later than five days after signing. On top of that, another 400,000 rubles, more than 4,000 euros, from the Defense Ministry. Travel expenses will be reimbursed, of course… Public official Natalya Lyssenko rattles off the terms her region offers prospective soldiers over the phone.’

And: ‘In more than four years of war against Ukraine, military signing bonuses have never been this high.’

Also: ‘Every territory has quotas from Moscow to fill: More than 400,000 new soldiers must be sent to the front annually. ‘

But ‘even pro-war bloggers are claiming that they are too old and too sick.’

40,000 euros to die and travel expenses reimbursed. Maybe first class? Including a decent meal? Not bad. Elsewhere they die for less.

(a sf 2113)