Russia allows criminals to avoid prison by fighting in Ukraine

For over two and a half years, Russia has been at war with Ukraine. In February 2022, Vladimir Putin decided to attack its eastern neighbor. Since then, both the European Union and NATO have been doing everything to support Volodymyr Zelensky's country. This has led to Russia running out of soldiers to send to the front. Politicians are now changing the law so that men who face a prison sentence can participate in the fighting.

It is no secret that Vladimir Putin and his associates want to do everything possible to have as many soldiers on the front as possible. Until now, there was a law stating that men in correctional facilities could leave if they decided to go to war. The State Duma, the lower house of parliament, has gone one step further. It will be possible to evade justice during the trial itself.

The State Duma of Russia has announced the passage of a law affecting people who are undergoing criminal trials. It will be possible for the accused to avoid punishment. All they need to do is promise that instead of going to jail, they will go to the front to fight against Ukraine. It can be assumed that the Russian Federation is struggling with staffing shortages. Politicians do not care whom they send to war. Even the worst criminals could end up there—all for the sake of winning the conflict.

According to Interfax, the law stipulates that people undergoing a criminal trial can (during mobilization, martial law, or war) sign a contract with the army or be mobilized. If this happens, the court can easily suspend the trial and then release these individuals from criminal responsibility.

The adopted law raises huge controversies, even within Russia itself. The biggest criminals who pose a threat to society will be able to avoid prison. No one can be sure that they won't escape from the front to neighboring European countries, where they might steal, murder, or rape.