The Kremlin has welcomed a Russian company’s offer of “bounty payments” for soldiers who destroy Western-made tanks on the battlefield in Ukraine, saying it would spur Moscow’s forces to victory.
The Russian company Fores this week offered 5 million roubles ($72,000) in cash to the first soldiers who destroy or capture US-made Abrams or German Leopard 2 tanks in Ukraine.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russian troops would “burn” any Western tanks that were delivered to Ukraine, adding the bounties were extra encouragement for Russian soldiers.
More weapons for Ukraine
Ukrainian presidential adviser Mykhailo Podolyak says Ukraine is “in talks” with its allies for the supply of “longer-range missiles and attack aircraft” to help repel Russian forces.
“Each war stage requires certain weapons. The concentration of RF’s [the Russian Federation’s] reserves in the occupied territories requires specifics from Ukraine and its partners,” Podolyak said in a post on Twitter.
“So: 1. There is already a tank coalition (logistics, training, supply). 2. There are already talks on longer-range missiles & attack aircraft supply,” he added.
- Ukraine eyes fighter jets after securing battle tanks
- British tanks will burn “just like the rest” — Russia warns
