Russian soldiers to get veteran benefits after service in Ukraine

Moscow, March 23, (dpa/GNA) – Russian soldiers that fight in Ukraine, are to be named veterans and offered special privileges by the state, according to a law signed off by parliament in Moscow on Wednesday.

Under the law, proposed in the Duma by the United Russia party of President Vladimir Putin, those who serve in Ukraine would be entitled to monthly payments, tax benefits, better health care and free or reduced-price public transport.

To pay for this, more than 5 billion roubles (about $50 million) are earmarked for this year alone.

Russia calls the war in Ukraine, which has been going on for almost four weeks, a “special military operation.”

GNA