Putin creates special fund for Russian soldiers fighting in Ukraine

 

On Monday, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree in support of the "Defenders of the Fatherland" creating a special fund to support scores of soldiers - in addition to their families - fighting the brutal year-long conflict in neighbouring Ukraine where Russia's military has suffered a number of setbacks.

The decree was published on the official government website.

Russia rarely provides estimates of its losses in the special military operation launched in February last year. The measures announced in relation to the decree aim to ensure a decent life for soldiers involved in the war and for their partners and kids.

Almost a year after he sent his military to fight the war in Ukraine, Putin revealed the support measure on February 21 at the Federal Assembly, adding "our duty" is to provide support to the families that have lost their loved ones in the Ukraine offensive and help them nurture their kids and offer them education as well as employment.

The special fund should provide targeted, personalised assistance to the families of soldiers who have died in the line of duty as well as veterans of the operation, the president mentioned in February.