To bolster its military ranks, the Russian government has implemented a new policy mirroring aspects of U.S. debt relief programs, offering debt forgiveness to new recruits.

A law signed by Vladimir Putin in November cancels up to 10 million rubles (approximately $96,000) in debt for individuals joining the Russian military after December 1, 2024.

This debt relief applies to debts with court-ordered collection proceedings initiated before December 1, 2024, and extends to the spouses of new recruits, according to the Associated Press.

While similar in concept to U.S. student loan forgiveness programs, Russia’s initiative directly incentivizes military enlistment.

Earlier this month, the Biden administration announced $4.28 billion in student loan forgiveness, a move unrelated to military recruitment.

This latest round of forgiveness benefits 54,900 public workers and brings the total loan forgiveness under the Biden administration to almost $180 billion for nearly 5 million borrowers.

The administration framed this as an incentive for public service, forgiving remaining loan balances after 120 qualifying payments.

In contrast, Russia’s debt forgiveness program serves as another recruitment strategy amid its ongoing war in Ukraine.

Reports indicate that North Korea has provided approximately 10,000 troops to support Russia’s military efforts, according to Western leaders, as reported by the AP on Sunday.

Furthermore, the Financial Times reported that Russia, in conjunction with the Houthi network, has recruited hundreds of Yemeni men under false pretenses, promising high-paying jobs and citizenship before coercing them into military service in Ukraine.

These Yemeni recruits, brought to Russia through a clandestine operation, were reportedly forced to sign combat contracts at gunpoint and sent to the front lines.

Digital’s Sarah Rumpf-Whitten and Andrea Margolis contributed to this report.