Russian politicians and companies are offering rewards for burning, capturing or destroying NATO tanks in Ukraine.
The statement was made after the US and Germany announced that they would send tanks to Ukraine.
Joe Biden announced that 31 Abrams tanks will be sent to Ukraine.
Germany has announced that it will send 14 Leopard tanks to Ukraine in the coming months.
Russian soldiers will be paid up to $21,450 for capturing an American Abrams tank and $7,150 for destroying it.
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Russia Today reported:
Bounties offered by Russian companies and officials for destroying Western military equipment in Ukraine will inevitably lead to more enthusiasts willing to take on the task, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov predicted on Wednesday.
He noted that while heavy Western tanks such as the Leopard 2 and M1 Abrams have yet to be delivered to Kiev forces, such proposals show “unity and everyone’s desire” to contribute to the goals of Russia’s ongoing military operation in Ukraine.
Berlin announced last week that it will deliver 14 Leopards to Kiev and enable other European countries to export their own supplies to Ukraine, a total of 112 tanks. Washington, meanwhile, has promised 31 Abrams tanks, but does not expect to deliver them until the end of 2023.
After the West’s decision, the governor of Russia’s eastern Zabaikalsky region, Alexander Osipov, signed an order declaring that local soldiers participating in the fighting in Ukraine could receive a monetary reward if they managed to seize or destroy a German or American tank.
Those who successfully capture Leopard 2 in working order could receive as much as 3 million rubles ($42,909), while those who destroy it could receive 1 million rubles ($14,303). Those who help capture could also be paid $7,150, and those who help destroy German tanks will receive $2,240. It is noted that up to 10 people could be listed as assistants eligible for payment.
As for the American M1 Abrams tanks, the governor promised an amount of 1.5 million rubles ($21,450) for their capture and 500,000 rubles ($7,150) for their destruction.