Russia found new ways to 'calm down' its soldiers and wives of fallen occupants - British Intelligence

Russian dictator Vladimir Putin reportedly signed two bills in support of Russian military personnel fighting against Ukraine on April 6.

First bill provides exemption from paying interest on consumer loans and loan repayment holidays for soldiers who are fighting against Ukraine.

It is noted that this is a continuation of October 2022 bills, which exempted mobilized and other participants in Russian invasion of Ukraine from penalties for late payments for housing and communal services, loans and debts.

Second bill, signed by Putin, amends Russian Labor Code and prohibits employers from firing widows of Russian military personnel within one year of their husband’s death.

Intelligence analysts note that while any payment holidays may cost Russian government little in a short term, they are likely to have long-term consequences for Russia’s economic situation and prospects.

Protests by wives of Russian military personnel

Wives of Russian military personnel held the first public street protest in Moscow after the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine on Nov. 7.

British intelligence reported that prolonged servise time of Russian military personnel at front without possibility of rotation was perceived by them and their relatives as unacceptable.

Intelligence officials note that since February 2022, examples of online appeals by Russian wives and mothers protesting conditions of their relatives service have been appearing on social media every day.

Later, they also noted that Russian authorities are trying to suppress public protests of Russian military personnel wives, in particular by bulling them online.