The Kremlin wants to lower the "entry threshold" for convicts ready to die in Ukraine
What criminals will now be able to get to the war against Ukraine?
The Russian government is preparing another expansion of the list of criminals who can be sent to the war against Ukraine. A package of bills has been submitted to the State Duma, allowing even those who have committed serious specific crimes to sign contracts with the Ministry of Defense.
This was reported by RBC-Ukraine with reference to The Moscow Times.
The Russian authorities want to remove restrictions for a number of articles of the Criminal Code. Previously, those convicted under these articles could not join the army, but now the situation has changed: the previous contingent of prisoners was largely exhausted back in Bakhmut.
The bill has already appeared in the electronic database of the lower house of parliament. The document provides that a criminal record for certain crimes will no longer be an obstacle to sending to the front, since the Putin regime needs more people.
List of "new" categories for the front
The list of articles proposed for exclusion from restrictions has expanded significantly. Now the contract can be signed by:
- smugglers of cash and strategically important goods;
- members of armed gangs;
- persons who interfered with the operation of critical facilities (hackers);
- violators of industrial safety.
Particular attention is drawn to articles on illegal handling of nuclear materials and their theft. Also, those who organized illegal migration are being called to war. Even the loss of documents containing state secrets (Article 284) is no longer an obstacle to service.
Drug traffickers in priority
Special emphasis is placed on drug smuggling. The government proposes to allow the recruitment of persons convicted under Article 229.1 (parts 1–3 and certain clauses of part 4). This means that drug traffickers will become part of the Russian occupation forces.
Interestingly, the drug article in the Russian Federation can be "pinned" on anyone if desired. An ordinary opposition member, thanks to police or investigator manipulations, can turn into a drug dealer, after which a choice appears: go to the front or sit.
Evolution of "prisoner" mobilization in the Russian Federation
The process of recruiting prisoners in the Russian Federation has been going on for a long time. It all started with the PMC "Wagner", but later the initiative was taken over by the Ministry of Defense.
Since November 2022, Russia has allowed mobilization of people with criminal records for murder, robbery, and armed robbery. In June 2023, deputies allowed contracts to be concluded not only for convicts but also for those under investigation. Later, the norm was extended even to those whose cases are already being considered in courts.
Context of the news
We reported that Russia is secretly preparing a general mobilization to continue the war against Ukraine. The likelihood of mobilization will increase after the elections in the Russian Federation in the fall.
Also, the authorities of Russian regions are demanding from entrepreneurs to provide people for the war against Ukraine. If they are not ready to do this, they are offered to pay "compensation."
