Russian Soldiers Fall Victim to Corruption Upon Returning from War in Ukraine**

Despite promises of heroism and financial rewards from President Putin, many Russian soldiers have encountered corruption and theft upon their return from Ukraine, facing exploitation by police and officials taking advantage of their vulnerable situations.**

**Article Text:**
An alarming trend has emerged among Russian soldiers returning from the conflict in Ukraine. Despite President Vladimir Putin's assurances of a warm welcome and rewards for their service, many soldiers have become victims of robbery and scams perpetrated by officials and fraudulent individuals. Following the onset of the conflict in February 2022, the Russian military has expanded significantly, incentivizing service through lucrative financial packages.

Take, for instance, 39-year-old Nikita Khursa, who enlisted motivated by the promise of a substantial salary. Depending on their region, soldiers can earn up to 5.2 million roubles (approximately £47,000) in their first year, with additional compensation for injuries. For many, especially those from less affluent areas, this financial lure outweighed the risks of combat, including the possibility of injury or death.

Khursa, a welder from Rostov, joined the fight and soon sustained injuries ahead of his return home. With a bonus in mind and aspirations of purchasing a flat, tensions rose with his wife, Oksana, leading him to leave in a drunken stupor with a bag of their savings. Upon being pulled over by police, Khursa was met with hostility instead of respect for his service. Officers seized nearly all of his cash — 2.66 million roubles (£24,000) — despite their initial acknowledgment of his military status.

Further investigations have revealed that this kind of exploitation isn't isolated. Reports have surfaced of police officers in Moscow tipping off taxi drivers who then charge returning servicemen exorbitant fees for rides. Coercion and even drugging have been tactics used to extract money from these vulnerable soldiers, with investigators estimating that such scams have netted criminals at least 1.5 million roubles.

In a shocking revelation, it was also noted that some soldiers' salaries were embezzled before they even had the chance to receive them. In October 2024, three employees at a recruitment center were arrested for stealing over 11 million roubles by manipulating recruits’ account access. Some local officials have also been implicated in these schemes, including a case in Belgorod where more than a million roubles was stolen from recruits' accounts.

Even sergeants and officers have been accused of stealing from their own men by demanding access to soldiers' bank cards and PINs, leading to substantial financial losses.

While Khursa reported the officers who robbed him, the case stalled in the judicial system. To avoid facing legal consequences, the accused enlisted to serve in Ukraine, a move permitted by new legislation aimed at protecting military personnel from prosecution.

Reflecting on his experience, Khursa expressed a mix of anger and resignation. "If there is a God, maybe this is how it should be," he stated, acknowledging the challenges faced by returning soldiers. His hopes of a stable life have diminished; he remains uncertain about his future in civilian life and is preparing for the possibility of return to active duty despite the shrapnel lodged near his heart.

In a somber conclusion to his narrative, Khursa remarked on the difficult choices faced by soldiers like him: “Only the army saves you, puts a roof over your head.”