Russian regions are cutting or eliminating payments to families of soldiers killed in Ukraine, with Saratov cutting the benefit tenfold. The moves come as regional budget deficits grow and could reach 2 trillion rubles ($24.5 billion) this year.

Russian regions are cutting or eliminating payments to families of soldiers killed in Ukraine, with Saratov cutting the benefit tenfold. The moves come as regional budget deficits grow and could reach 2 trillion rubles ($24.5 billion) this year.