Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered a one-time payment of 7,000 rubles ($115) to World War II veterans in Russia, Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania, news agency RBC reported Thursday.
The payment will be made between April and May as part of the 70th anniversary of the end of the war. Widows of soldiers who died in the war will also be given 7,000 rubles.
Residents of the four countries who were held in Nazi concentration camps and were adults at that time will be given 3,000 rubles ($50). Concentration camp survivors who were children will be given 7,000 rubles.
The end of World War II, in which an estimated 11 million Soviet citizens died, is a major source of national pride in Russia. Moscow has invited heads of state from all over the world to attend celebrations in May.
U.S. President Barack Obama's administration has already said that he won't attend.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.