Russia’s Primorsky Krai warns of delayed social payments amid war-driven budget strain
The Labor Ministry of Primorsky Krai says some social benefits may be paid later because the regional budget is under pressure from the special military operation, while other Russian regions grapple with staff cuts and wage freezes.
The regional Labor Ministry of Primorsky Krai warned that some social payments could be postponed as the budget faces heightened strain from obligations related to the special military operation. Officials said funds are being disbursed in phases, acknowledging the importance of timely support for residents. Meanwhile, in the Irkutsk region’s Nizhneilimsky district, head Pavel Berezovsky disclosed plans to cut roughly 37% of staff, beginning with night watchmen at schools, kindergartens and community centers, as well as employees of municipal enterprises Service Center and Clean City.
The Irkutsk legislature has recorded a budget deficit of 38.7 billion rubles, which Governor Igor Kobzev attributes to the need for socially significant spending. In other regions, Rostov authorities declined a 4% public-sector wage raise, Sakhalin froze medical workers’ pay indexation, and the Sakha Republic postponed wage adjustments for two months.
Why it matters
Delayed benefits and staff cuts show how Russia's war expenses are tightening regional budgets and affecting public services.
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