Russian politicians and companies offer rewards for burning, capturing or destroying NATO tanks in Ukraine.
The announcement comes after the US and Germany announced they would send tanks to Ukraine.
Joe Biden announced that 31 Abrams tanks would be sent to Ukraine.
Germany announced that it will send 14 Leopard tanks to Ukraine in the coming months.
Russian soldiers are paid up to $21,450 to capture a US Abrams tank and up to $7,150 to destroy it.
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Russia Today reported:
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov predicted on Wednesday that cash rewards offered by Russian businesses and officials to destroy Western military equipment in Ukraine will inevitably lead to more enthusiasts to undertake the task.
He noted that while heavy Western tanks such as the Cheetah 2 and M1 Abrams have yet to be delivered to Kiev’s forces, such proposals demonstrate “the unity and desire of all” to reach the goals of Russia’s ongoing military operation in Ukraine.
Last week, Berlin announced it would supply Kiev with 14 Leopards and allow other European countries to export their own stocks to Ukraine, totaling 112 tanks. Washington, meanwhile, has pledged 31 Abrams tanks, but doesn’t expect to deliver them until late 2023.
Following West’s decision, Alexander Osipov, governor of Russia’s eastern Zabaikalskyi region, signed a decree declaring that local soldiers participating in the fighting in Ukraine would receive a monetary reward if they managed to capture or destroy a German or American tank.
Those who successfully capture the Cheetah 2 in working condition can receive 3 million rubles ($42,909) and those who destroy it will receive 1 million rubles ($14,303). Those who aided in the capture could be paid $7,150 and those who aided in the destruction of German tanks would receive $2,240. It is noted that 10 people can be listed as assistants eligible for payments.
As for the American M1 Abrams tanks, the governor promised 1.5 million rubles ($21,450) for their capture and 500,000 rubles ($7,150) for their destruction.
