Photo: The Moscow Times
Russia's government has introduced draft legislation that would allow more convicted criminals, including those found guilty of serious offenses, to sign military contracts and serve in the war against Ukraine, The Moscow Times reported.
The proposed amendments would remove restrictions that previously barred people convicted under a number of Criminal Code articles from joining the armed forces. The report said the move reflects Moscow's growing need for manpower after earlier prison recruitment campaigns largely depleted the pool of eligible inmates.
If approved, the legislation would allow recruitment of people convicted of crimes including cash and strategic goods smuggling, participation in armed gangs, cyberattacks against critical infrastructure, industrial safety violations, illegal migration schemes, and offenses involving nuclear materials. The bill would also permit some individuals convicted of drug smuggling to enlist.
Russia began recruiting prisoners for the war through the Wagner mercenary group before the Defense Ministry took over the program. Since late 2022, the Kremlin has steadily expanded eligibility, first allowing convicts serving sentences for violent crimes to enlist, and later extending the policy to suspects and defendants awaiting trial.
The legislative proposal comes as Ukrainian officials have warned that Russia is preparing broader mobilization measures to sustain its military campaign against Ukraine.
