New payment schedule for non-combat troops
The Russian Defense Ministry proposes moving December salary payments to the period between January 11 and 21, 2027, for troops not involved in the war against Ukraine. The draft order, reported by the independent outlet Verstka, would change the existing 2019 rules which typically mandate that December salary payments arrive by December 25, instead moving them to between January 11 and 21 next year. Under these rules, troops generally receive their pay between the 10th and 20th of each month. This change is the first of its kind in 18 years. This shift from the established payment routine affects many personnel, but the draft exempts the Joint Group of Forces and contract soldiers’ pay from the delay. The Joint Group of Forces, which refers to the command fighting in Ukraine, would receive December pay before the new year. The draft also keeps ‘December bonuses’ for contract soldiers in the same month, so combat unit schedules likely stay unchanged. If the ministry adopts the order as written, the change would come into effect this year. This decision deviates from historical practices, including a 1986 instruction from the Soviet State Bank.
Widening deficit drives budget pressures
The proposed delay in troop salaries clearly stems from severe budgetary strain. Russia faces rising budget pressure because the full-year deficit will likely widen to 7.3 trillion rubles, or about $89.9 billion. This equals 3.2% of the gross domestic product, up from a 2.2% deficit. Bloomberg reports this expansion follows increased spending for the war.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Expected full-year deficit | 7.3 trillion rubles |
| Deficit as percentage of GDP | 3.2% |
| September deficit percentage | 2.2% |
| Deficit in US dollars | ~$89.9 billion |
The delay in salary payments for non-combat troops follows mounting military costs. While the draft order does not state a reason for the change, the widening deficit provides a specific explanation. This decision to postpone payments for non-combatants deviates from practices documented in 2008, 2011, and a 1986 Soviet State Bank instruction. This widening gap between revenue and expenditure puts pressure on the ministry. The increase in the deficit from 2.2% to 3.2% of the gross domestic product shows the financial strain of the conflict.
