Putin promises monthly payments of 65,000 rubles to Kursk refugees until region’s ‘complete liberation’ from Ukrainian occupation

Vladimir Putin has ordered the federal government to make monthly payments of 65,000 rubles ($710) to refugees in the Kursk region until all Ukrainian occupation forces are expelled. 

At a meeting with his cabinet on Tuesday, the president said, “Until the complete liberation of the Kursk region’s territories from Ukrainian formations, all residents of the region who have lost their property will each receive 65,000 rubles per month.” Putin said the new payments will be in addition to any other aid refugees are already receiving. He said more than 112,000 people would be eligible for the emergency assistance. 

Refugees forced from border areas of the Kursk region in August 2024 have repeatedly petitioned officials to address problems with receiving promised financial aid and housing. Displaced people have even staged a handful of protests in downtown Kursk.