The Russian Ministry of Defense plans to advance the payment of December wages to January for the first time, while the government is preparing to deal with a sharp widening budget deficit at the end of the year. According to a draft order from the Ministry of Defense, starting 2026, wages for December of each year will be paid in January of the following year. Earlier regulations required December wages to be paid before the end of the year. The monthly salary for December will be paid from January 11 to January 21. The order does not apply to forces fighting in Ukraine, who will continue to receive their December wages until December 25.

The Russian Ministry of Defense plans to advance the payment of December wages to January for the first time, while the government is preparing to deal with a sharp widening budget deficit at the end of the year. According to a draft order from the Ministry of Defense, starting 2026, wages for December of each year will be paid in January of the following year. Earlier regulations required December wages to be paid before the end of the year. The monthly salary for December will be paid from January 11 to January 21. The order does not apply to forces fighting in Ukraine, who will continue to receive their December wages until December 25.