Putin activates smugglers and mafia: He sends the most dangerous criminals to war, and watch what they do on the streets

Moscow has expanded its military recruitment criteria, allowing individuals with criminal records, including former smugglers, mafia members, and those involved in illegal arms trafficking, to serve in the war against Ukraine. The new law, approved by Russia’s State Duma, permits the enlistment of prisoners convicted of crimes such as money laundering, drug dealing, weapons smuggling, nuclear materials, explosives, and organized crime. These recruits will be assigned to “special units” separate from regular professional soldiers, according to Deputy Defense Minister Viktor Goremykin. The decision comes amid ongoing challenges in filling military ranks. Ukrainian intelligence agencies claim that Russia has failed to meet its goal of recruiting 409,000 troops in 2026. As of July, only around 195,000 contracts have been signed, falling short of the target of 204,500. Additionally, Russian forces have reportedly lost nearly 197,000 soldiers this year, including over 115,000 killed or missing and approximately 80,000 wounded. The move has drawn attention following earlier reports of consequences linked to the inclusion of former convicts in combat roles. According to an investigation by the Russian media outlet Vertska, citing court records, Russian soldiers who returned from battlefields in Ukraine have been responsible for the deaths of at least 551 individuals within Russia. Over half of these killings were committed by former inmates released to fight in Ukraine. The law was proposed by the Russian government and passed by the State Duma, which broadened the scope of eligible candidates for military service. Under the new regulations, individuals previously incarcerated for more serious offenses can now serve their mandatory conscription period. This includes those associated with criminal organizations, illegal migration, and unauthorized handling of nuclear materials. Goremykin emphasized that the purpose of the law is to increase the number of potential candidates for military service. He stated that these recruits would be placed in special formations distinct from regular armed forces, ensuring they operate separately from trained professionals. The separation aims to manage risks associated with the backgrounds of these recruits. Ukrainian intelligence services have raised concerns about the implications of this policy. They argue that the inclusion of individuals with criminal histories could lead to increased instability and security threats both domestically and abroad. The agency claims that the release of such individuals into active conflict zones poses a risk not only to military operations but also to public safety in Russia. The expansion of military recruitment criteria reflects broader efforts by the Russian government to address manpower shortages. With traditional avenues for recruitment proving insufficient, Moscow has turned to alternative methods, including the integration of former prisoners into the armed forces. This strategy underscores the urgency of maintaining troop numbers in the face of sustained losses on the battlefield. As the situation develops, further scrutiny will likely focus on the effectiveness and ethical implications of incorporating individuals with criminal pasts into military service. The long-term impact of this policy on both domestic stability and international relations remains to be seen.