Thread: Why Do Russians Go to Fight in Ukraine? It’s All About the $$$
1/ Why do Russians go to fight in Ukraine? Spoiler: it’s not about ideology or patriotism. It’s all about the money.
Let me explain.
2/ In many Russian regions, the average salary is ~$150/month. These areas, essentially colonies, are deliberately kept impoverished by Moscow. People rely on predatory microloans to survive, trapping them in a vicious cycle of poverty.
3/ Then, the Kremlin swoops in with military contracts. Huge sign-up bonuses, travel costs covered, and promises of stability. Recruitment drives specifically target these struggling regions—offering “fast money” to people who have no other way out.
4/ For example, in 2025, Samara region doubled its sign-up bonus for contract soldiers to 4 million rubles (~$40,000). To put it in perspective, that’s nearly 10 years’ salary for someone living on $400/month. Adjusted for cost of living, it feels like $400,000 in Austin, Texas.
5/ The strategy is simple: pay big to fill the ranks. But it’s a short-term solution. Why? Most of these soldiers are sent into “meat grinder” assaults. They’re not surviving long enough to spend that money.
6/ Here’s how it works on the battlefield: Russia uses human wave tactics—sending poorly trained recruits into heavy fire. Our drones capture this every day. It’s brutal, inhumane, and tragically effective at times due to sheer volume.
7/ What’s crazier is that Russia isn’t broke. They’re a resource-rich country with immense oil and gas wealth. But instead of improving lives, they’re burning money on war—pumping billions into military recruitment and operations.
8/ It’s a delicate balance for the Kremlin: pay enormous bonuses to keep recruitment going or risk losing the frontlines.
For now, they’ve chosen to throw money at the problem, even converting strategic missile troops into infantry—our allies are very interested in talking to.
9/ Meanwhile, Russia actively mobilizes Ukrainians in occupied territories, forcing them to fight against their own. It’s a war crime—a clear act of genocide. These recruits don’t get bonuses or benefits. They’re treated as second-class cannon fodder.
10/ How does this compare to Ukraine? Our military budget comes entirely from Ukrainian taxpayers. International aid supports social systems—not the army. My sign-up bonus as a soldier was $500, and my base salary is $500/month when out of combat.
11/ We can’t compete financially. Ukraine’s economy is battered, exports are blocked, and farmland is mined. But we have something stronger than money: the fight for survival, for our families, for our land, and for our future as a nation.
12/ Russia’s irrationality in this war is staggering. They’ve spent hundreds of billions destroying Ukraine when they could have “bought” influence instead. Infrastructure, propaganda, economic programs—they could’ve won hearts and minds. But they chose violence.
13/ Imagine: with the money they’ve spent, Russia could have funded infrastructure projects, boosted pro-Russian parties, or created shared interests. Instead, they’ve alienated Ukrainians forever and turned themselves into a global pariah.
14/ This war isn’t just about soldiers or weapons. It’s about choices. Ukraine fights for freedom and survival. Russia fights for conquest and oppression—throwing away lives and money in the process.
15/ Lastly, on a personal note: I’ve been quieter lately. I lost my uncle in combat recently. He fought with the 42nd Mechanized Brigade. It’s been hard emotionally, but I share this because I want you to understand the weight of this war for us.
16/ Thank you to everyone who listens, learns, and stands with Ukraine. Your support—whether through sharing our story, donating, or simply staying informed—makes a difference.