Russia’s Defense Ministry is reportedly planning to enlist around 20,000 people currently held in pre-trial detention to fight in Ukraine, according to investigative news outlet IStories. Military and legal sources, speaking anonymously, revealed that efforts are underway to identify potential military candidates among the defendants awaiting trial, with approximately 40% expected to be recruited.
The enlistment strategy involves selecting 100 individuals from each of Russia’s 210 pre-trial detention centers. As of early 2024, there were 106,000 people in pre-trial detention, including those under investigation and convicted felons.
This plan follows recent legislation allowing criminal defendants to serve in the military, closing a previous loophole that restricted enlistment to convicted individuals and police suspects. The final approval is pending in the Federation Council, with President Vladimir Putin’s expected endorsement.
To prevent public backlash, authorities are targeting criminal defendants for recruitment, as there is a shortage of convicted prisoners willing to volunteer for the conflict in Ukraine. The Defense Ministry aims to avoid causing unrest by tapping into this new pool of potential recruits.