August M
Russia’s war effort in Ukraine is being blamed for a surge of violent crime far from the battlefield. Investigations suggest men released from prison to fight have returned to Russian towns and villages with deadly consequences.
The claims, reported by the Express, draw on court data and independent reporting that paint a grim picture of how the policy is affecting civilians.
A deadly policy
Since the invasion of Ukraine, Vladimir Putin has authorised the recruitment of tens of thousands of convicted criminals to fight as frontline soldiers. Many were released from prison on the condition they serve in combat.
According to independent outlet Mediazona, at least 1,045 cases involve Russian servicemen accused of murder or fatal assault against fellow citizens.
The figure is based on court records and includes only those who were still formally serving when the crimes occurred.
The outlet said the true toll is likely higher, as it excludes former Wagner mercenaries and demobilised fighters tried in civilian courts.
No punishment
Under the system, suspects can avoid prosecution at almost any stage by agreeing to return to the front. Investigations, trials and even sentences can be halted if the accused is sent back to fight.
Many of the crimes occurred while soldiers were on leave, with reports of drunken violence and attacks in regions close to the front line. In numerous cases, alleged killers were redeployed rather than jailed.
Mediazona’s findings suggest more than 1,000 civilians have been killed by Russian servicemen since the policy was introduced.
Brutal cases
Among the cases cited is Tsyren-Dorzhi Tsyrenzhapov, recruited from prison where he was serving a 14-year sentence for murder. He later killed a 22-year-old woman during an argument and allegedly dismembered her body.
Other cases include volunteer fighter Alexander Mamayev, accused of stabbing his wife to death in front of their children, and mercenary Vladimir Vlasov, 31, who allegedly beat his four-year-old stepdaughter to death.
Impact at home
Further incidents involve shootings, stabbings and fatal beatings by mercenaries and Storm Z recruits, including Igor Sofonov, accused of killing six people with an accomplice.
Russian security affairs expert Mark Galeotti said the crimes committed by paroled fighters are having “severe effects at home”, according to ABC.
Sources: Express, Mediazona, ABC
