Russian regime’s practice of recruiting convicts into the army in exchange for pardon and freedom is having tragic consequences in Ukraine. This policy, aimed at strengthening military presence in Ukraine, has led to a new wave of crimes committed by former detainees who return to society after completing their military service.
One example of the failure of this policy is Viktor Savvinov, who had a history of violent crimes and was released from prison for fighting in Ukraine. After completing his military service under the command of the Wagner Group, Savvinov returned to his community and murdered two local residents in a brutal act of violence. Similar reports of ex-convicts returning from Ukraine and relapsing into criminal activities are emerging from various parts of Russia.
The return of these ex-convicts to Russian cities poses a significant risk to public safety, challenging the notion of justice and putting the future of communities at risk. The lack of transparency in policies regarding the pardon and recruitment of convicted individuals by the Russian courts into the Army is exacerbating the situation. Official figures on repeat crimes are difficult to obtain due to government restrictions on releasing negative information about the war in Ukraine.
It is estimated that 15,000 ex-convicts who were pardoned have returned to their communities in Russia, bringing with them an increased potential for violence and crime. The recruitment of convicts into the Russian army by groups like Wagner has resulted in some former detainees dying in combat while others are returning without any form of rehabilitation, increasing the possibility of them rejoining a life of crime. The repercussions
