The Government of Russia has presented a bill to the State Duma that would recognize a segment of work history in Ukraine as part of the insurance experience used to determine pensions for Russian citizens. The draft law was published in the State Duma’s electronic database for public access and review.
Under the proposed measure, the period of employment and related activities performed in Ukraine from January 1, 1991, through the start of the special military operation will be counted toward pension calculations. The bill also covers the Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics, covering May 11, 2014, to September 29, 2022, and the Zaporozhye and Kherson regions from February 24, 2022, to September 29, 2022. The aim is to ensure that service in these areas is acknowledged in pension records where it contributed to an individual’s insurance experience.
The proposed authorization could affect Ukrainians, residents of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, and Russians who worked in these territories without permanent residence status in the new Russian regions during that timeframe. The justification attached to the bill indicates that this change would raise the average pension for those affected by expanding the counted service period.
According to the bill’s projections, the average insurance pension could rise gradually in the coming years. In 2024, the expected average increase is estimated at 2,385 rubles. In 2025, it is anticipated to climb by about 2,524 rubles, with a further increment of approximately 2,686 rubles anticipated in 2026.
Following the signing by the president, the law is set to take effect with an increase in military pensions by 5.1 percent starting October 1, 2024. The financial impact of implementing the new rules would be covered from budget allocations, as stated in the legislative package gathered for executive support.
Observers note that the reform is framed as a step toward recognizing work performed in these contested areas as part of the social protection system. The measure emphasizes alignment between pension calculations and the historical labor contributions of individuals who were active in the region during the relevant periods, even as the geopolitical situation evolved. The broader consequence is a potential adjustment to retirement expectations for those who qualify, influencing planning for retirement years and long-term income security.
Ultimately, the question remains how the reform will be implemented in practice across various administrative levels and how it will be reflected in the personal pension records of eligible citizens. While the intent is to increase the pension benefits for a specific group, the exact distribution of the impact will depend on future regulatory guidance and the administrative processes that accompany the rollout of the law. The discussion continues among policymakers, economists, and the public as the government proceeds with the bill’s consideration and potential adoption.