Putin announces monthly payments to WW II veterans

Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced the introduction of monthly presidential payments to the disabled and veterans of World War II that will be adjusted to inflation.

The payments will be made starting from May 1.

"I'd like to inform you that I've made a decision to introduce, in addition to all already announced measures of social support to the disabled and veterans of WW II to institute additional monetary allowances to the disabled, veterans of WW II, former underage inmates of Nazi death camps, residents of Leningrad during the city siege and those decorated with the Medal for the Defence of Leningrad in the amount of 1,000 roubles a month," Putin said.

The military who were enlisted for service in the period from June 22, 1941 to September 3, 1945 in the units not included in the combat army, widows of killed soldiers, persons decorated with the Resident of the Besieged Leningrad badge, will receive 500 roubles monthly, the same sum will be paid to former aged inmates of fascist concentration camps, under the presidential decree, Putin said.

"This means an average increase in the monetary allowances to the disabled of WW II by 3,650 roubles, for WW II veterans -- by 3,600 roubles and for residents of the besieged Leningrad decorated with the Medal for the Defence of Leningrad by 3,650 roubles from January 1, 2005," the president said.

"The average monthly pay with taking into account today's decision will amount to 8,400 roubles for the disabled and participants in WW II," he pointed out. "Other categories will be paid certainly less," Putin added.

"But for comparison I'd like to say the average monthly wage in the industrial sector is now 7,400 roubles and in the country's economy in general -- 6,830 roubles," the head of state indicated.

"Today I will prepare and tomorrow sign the corresponding presidential decree," Putin stated. "I will take under control the proper indexation of these payments," the head of state promised.

Source: Xinhua