Russia plans to defer December military pay to January, exempting troops fighting in Ukraine
Russia's Ministry of Defence plans to defer December military personnel pay to January from 2026, with payments made between January 11 and 21. The change will not apply to personnel fighting in Ukraine, who will continue receiving December pay by December 25. The proposal comes as Russia's budget deficit widens amid record military spending.
Key points
- Russia's Ministry of Defence plans to defer December military pay to January from 2026.
- December pay for military personnel would be paid between January 11 and 21.
- Troops fighting in Ukraine would continue receiving December pay by December 25.
- Russia's 2026 state spending is projected at 48.5 trillion rubles, about 10% above the initial plan.
- The projected annual budget deficit is 7.3 trillion rubles, or 3.2% of GDP, compared with about 2.2% in September.
- Military spending is forecast to reach a record 17.1 trillion rubles next year.
- Personnel pay is projected to account for 9% to 10.4% of national defence spending over the following three years.
Why it matters
The change would move recurring military pay costs into the next fiscal period, potentially helping the Russian government manage cash flow amid a widening budget deficit and record defence spending. The exemption for personnel fighting in Ukraine preserves the existing payment schedule for troops deployed in the war.
What happened
Russia's Ministry of Defence plans to introduce a new payment schedule from 2026, under which military personnel would receive their December pay between January 11 and 21 of the following year. Previously, December payments were due by the end of the current year. The new rule would not apply to military personnel fighting in Ukraine, who would continue receiving the payments by December 25. The proposal is expected to shift significant expenditure into the next fiscal year as Russia faces a projected budget deficit of 7.3 trillion rubles, or 3.2% of GDP, and record military spending of 17.1 trillion rubles next year.
How Ukrainian sources describe it
Ukrainian reporting highlights that the deferral would be the first such change in at least 18 years, as well as the exemption for Russian troops fighting in Ukraine. The coverage places the proposal within the broader financial pressure caused by Russia's growing deficit, increased military expenditure and the continuing war.
How international sources describe it
International coverage focuses on the proposed timing change and its possible role in helping Russia manage budget cash flows. Budget-deficit and defence-spending estimates provide the financial context for the decision.
Background
December normally accounts for the largest share of Russia's annual state expenditure, which has risen sharply during the war. Russia's projected annual budget deficit reaches 7.3 trillion rubles, or 3.2% of GDP, compared with about 2.2% in September. A similar deferral of December payments existed in the Soviet Union.