INTERNATIONAL — February 21, 2026
Russian President Putin signs law for unpaid leave for Afghanistan and Syria veterans
Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a law granting up to 35 days of annual unpaid leave to veterans of deployments to Afghanistan (1979-1989), Syria (from 2015), and some Ukraine areas. The measure amends Russia's veterans' law to boost social support.
The Ehtebar Desk — originates with Amu TV — corroborated by Afghanistan International — 2 min read
Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed amendments to the country's "On Veterans" law, allowing veterans deployed to Afghanistan and Syria to receive up to 35 days of unpaid leave annually.
According to Russia's state news agency TASS, the changes aim to increase social support for individuals sent abroad on official missions. The law covers those deployed to Afghanistan from December 1979 to December 1989, as well as personnel sent to Syria for special missions starting September 30, 2015. It also includes some individuals deployed to Ukraine conflict areas after 2022 who meet specified conditions.
TASS reported that the law took effect upon its official publication. The Soviet military presence in Afghanistan lasted less than 10 years, resulting in more than 15,000 soldiers killed and thousands wounded or disabled.
Read the original reporting at Amu TV →
Reliability assessment
Corroborated by two outlets (Amu TV, Afghanistan International) citing Russia's state news agency TASS on the official signing of amendments to the 'On Veterans' law by President Putin, with concrete details on eligibility periods and benefits.
The source language reads straight.
Across the newsrooms
Filed by 2 outlets
Amu TV
Originating
Afghanistan International
Filed under
International — Russia, Vladimir Putin, Afghanistan veterans, Soviet-Afghan War, Syria
Spotted an error or have more on this story? Tip the desk on Telegram → or WhatsApp →.
Reader supported
Keep Ehtebar running
Every published story uses paid tools to translate reporting, compare sources, extract claims, and produce a clearer read on Afghanistan. Reader support helps keep that work independent.
€5
helps cover daily verification runs
€15
supports a week of source comparison
€50
keeps independent analysis moving
More in International
US Official Says Doha Process Should Not Replace UNAMA Role
— Reliable
China Calls for Lifting Taliban Restrictions on Women Working in UN Institutions
— Reliable
Denmark's UN Representative Urges Immediate Appointment of New Special Envoy for Afghanistan
— Reliable
US and Iran Sign Memorandum of Understanding to End Conflicts
— Unverified