According to Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, cash rewards offered by Russian companies and government officials for the destruction of Western military equipment in Ukraine would definitely encourage more enthusiasts to embark on the mission.
Although big Western tanks like the Leopard 2 and M1 Abrams have yet to be supplied to Kiev’s forces, he pointed out that such offers showed the country’s unity and everyone’s determination to help advance the objectives of Russia’s ongoing military action in Ukraine.
Berlin stated last week that it will give Kiev 14 Leopards and permit other European nations to sell their own inventories to Ukraine, totaling 112 tanks. While Washington has committed to providing 31 Abrams tanks, delivery is not anticipated to occur until late 2023.
In response to the Western decision, Alexander Osipov, the governor of Russia’s eastern Zabaikalsky Region, issued an order stating that local forces fighting in Ukraine may earn money if they were able to capture or destroy a German or American tank.
It is possible to earn up to 3 million rubles ($42,909) for successfully capturing a Leopard 2 that is still operable, or 1 million rubles ($14,303) for successfully destroying one. A further $7,150 might be awarded to anyone who helped with the capture, and $2,240 could be awarded to those who helped destroy German tanks. It is said that a list of assistants eligible for compensation may include up to 10 individuals.
The governor has pledged a total of 1.5 million rubles ($21,450) for the seizure of American M1 Abrams tanks and 500,000 rubles ($7,150) for their eradication.
