Russia's parliament, the Duma, approves rule changes that make it easier for the country's military to recruit criminals. The decision means that the military will have the opportunity to reinforce its forces in the ongoing invasion war in Ukraine.
The military has already previously utilized the opportunity to use convicted individuals for service – and many of them have participated in the toughest battles with a large number of fatalities as a result.
The recruitment of criminals was first initiated by Yevgeny Prigozhin, who used tens of thousands of pardoned criminals for his Wagner troops. A prisoner would be completely exempt from punishment if they survived six months at the front in Ukraine.
The method has since been expanded to also apply to the Russian army.
Tuesday's law change means that even those who are facing trial but have not yet been convicted can be recruited. Previously, convicted individuals – or those being investigated for crimes but not yet brought to court – had the opportunity to choose Ukraine service.
