Russia Plans Repayment Penalties for Contract Soldiers’ Crimes at Home

Russia gives soldiers a large one-time payment when they sign contracts to fight in Ukraine.

A new draft law could require some soldiers to return part of that money if they are convicted of a crime at home.

The amount returned would depend on how much time remained on their contract.

The proposed rule would apply when the crime does not lead to a prison sentence.

Officials say it is meant to encourage soldiers to follow the law.

Reports say domestic violence has increased when some fighters return home on leave.

Russia does not publish official statistics on this problem.

The article also says Russia is offering other benefits, including reduced prison sentences, to attract more people to the army.