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Russian authorities have issued arrest warrants for nine prisoners who escaped from a military training ground in Belgorod Oblast. These convicts, under contract with Russia’s Armed Forces, were promised parole in exchange for military service. The inmates, convicted of various crimes, escaped on July 26 and 27. Their whereabouts are believed to be near the city of Belgorod.
Since 2022, Moscow has been recruiting convicts for its military operations, with promises of pardons upon completion of a military contract. However, the recruits are often used as cannon fodder, facing heavy casualties. Recent changes have extended the contract length and offer release on parole instead of immediate pardon.
Despite these efforts, some former convicts have been accused of new crimes upon returning to Russia. These developments highlight the complex and controversial nature of using convicted individuals in military operations.