Russian conscripts buy their own gear and essential medications. The government will not reimburse them.

Russians conscripted during mobilization are forced to buy their own military gear, since the army does not supply even the basics they will need when sent to the front. The Russian government website “We Explain,” set up to answer questions about current laws and regulations, has posted an article, which says that conscripts should not expect reimbursement for their expenses.

The article was a reply to the question: “Will the conscript’s expenses for buying his own uniform and medications be compensated?” In reply, it was explained:

Those conscripted during the mobilization are given everything they need in order to perform their duties, including uniforms, gear, etc. For this reason, additional purchases of different elements of the uniform, gear, medications, etc., are the conscript’s personal initiative, and no compensation is planned for such expenses.

• Since the start of Russia’s current mobilization, conscripts shared numerous stories of having to buy their own outdoor gear and essential medications. They also complained about their living conditions before dispatch to the front.
• Relatives and volunteers are collecting the most basic necessities for the new servicemen. Some regional governments have promised to supply them with sleeping bags and warm clothes. In the annexed Crimea, conscripts will be given bulletproof vests, helmets, and communication devices. The federal government has let regional authorities buy gear and equipment for their mobilized residents.
• On October 5, Andrey Kartapolov and Vasily Piskarev — heads of the State Duma committees for defense and security — appealed to Prosecutor General Igor Krasnov, asking him to sort out the situation with army supplies.

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Translated by Anna Razumnaya