Russia found new ways to 'calm down' its soldiers and wives of fallen occupants - British Intelligence
The Kremlin passed new laws that are likely an attempt to
cheer up Russian soldiers, financially encouraging more recruits to join army
in exchange for benefits, and limiting criticism from wives of fallen
occupiers, British Intelligence reported on April 13.
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.
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