Kremlin predicts enthusiasm for burning NATO tanks — RT Russia and the former Soviet Union
The monetary rewards will encourage more people to destroy or capture the armored vehicles, Putin’s spokesman said.
Proposals by Russian companies and regional officials to offer cash bounties for the destruction of Western military equipment sent to Ukraine will inevitably lead to more enthusiasts willing to do so, the Kremlin spokesman predicted on Wednesday, Dmitry Peskov.
He noted that although heavy Western tanks such as the Leopard 2 and M1 Abrams have yet to be delivered to Kyiv forces, such proposals demonstrate the “unity and the desire of all” contribute to achieving the objectives of the ongoing Russian military operation in Ukraine.
Berlin last week announced it would supply Kyiv with 14 Leopards and allow other European countries to export their own stocks to Ukraine, a total of 112 tanks. Washington, meanwhile, has pledged 31 Abrams tanks, but does not expect to deliver them until late 2023.
Following the West’s decision, the governor of the eastern Zabaikalsky region, Alexander Osipov, signed an order stating that local soldiers participating in the fighting in Ukraine could receive a monetary reward if they manage to seize or destroy a German or American tank.
Those who manage to capture a working Leopard 2 could be paid up to 3 million rubles ($42,909) while those who destroy it could be awarded 1 million rubles ($14,303). Those assisting in the capture could also be paid $7,150 and those assisting in the destruction of German tanks will receive $2,240. It should be noted that up to 10 people could be listed as assistants entitled to payments.
As for the American M1 Abrams tanks, the governor pledged 1.5 million rubles ($21,450) for their capture and 500,000 rubles ($7,150) for their destruction.
A similar bounty was also offered by Russian chemical company Fores, which said on Friday it would pay 5 million rubles ($70,700) to any Russian serviceman who destroys or captures one of the tanks and offer 500,000 (7 070 dollars) for the following trophies. The company also said it would pay a price of 15 million rubles ($212,100) for the first F-15 or F-16 fighter jet shot down if such weapons were ever delivered to Ukraine.
Moscow has repeatedly urged against foreign arms deliveries to Ukraine, arguing that they only lead to more bloodshed and will not change the outcome of the Russian military operation. The Kremlin also called the decision to send heavy tanks to kyiv proof of NATO’s commitment. “direct participation” in the conflict and warned that the tanks “will burn like the others” western weapons.
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