From murderer to soldier: Putin's controversial pardon sparks outrage

The well-known Wagner Group, formerly headed by the late Yevgeny Prigozhin, is known for recruiting prisoners to participate in the Ukraine conflict.

Often the Kremlin will engage prisoners in combat, as their deaths do not provoke as much public disdain, unlike the losses of professional soldiers or draftees. For the prisoners, this presents a unique opportunity for some form of escape.

Anton Heraszczenko, an advisor to the Ukrainian Ministry of Internal Affairs, shed light on Putin's decision to pardon a dangerous convict on social media.

Back in mid-January 2020, Vladislav Kanius carried out a brutal murder, killing his girlfriend Vera Pechtelewa. Forensic reports reveal that Vera succumbed to a host of injuries - over 100 injuries, bruises, hematomas, and stab wounds were recorded on her body.

Her face, neck, and head bore the brunt of the injuries. Vladislav received a 17-year prison sentence. Later, Kanius went on to fight in the war against Ukraine, securing a six-month contract with the Russian military.

Human rights activist Alyona Popova shared a response from the prosecutor's office addressed to Pechtelewa's parents on her Telegram channel, which confirmed that a presidential decree pardoning their daughter's killer was signed on April 27, 2023.

While some may see an opportunity for a fresh start, not everyone can change their destructive behavior. One Russian man, who fought in Ukraine for six months, was sent back to prison.

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The criminal, once released from prison to fight at the frontline, returned home from the combat zone and committed rape in the Volgograd region. The accused is currently in police custody. The crime occurred between October 17-18, in the town of Kotovo.