Russia Pressures New Soldiers to Fight in Ukraine: From Suspects to Immigrants, Reports NYT

The Russian government has intensified its efforts to bolster its military forces, resorting to unconventional methods of recruitment, including the enlistment of prisoners, suspects, and individuals with legal or financial troubles, according to The New York Times.

The report highlights that Russia’s military has faced significant losses in Ukraine, including many of its most experienced troops in the early stages of the invasion. To replenish its forces, tens of thousands of prisoners have been sent to the front lines, often with little regard for their survival.

According to The New York Times, the Russian government has avoided a full-scale mobilization, likely to prevent domestic unrest, but has implemented new laws and policies to attract recruits.

Military analyst Ruslan Leviev noted that Russia urgently needs replacements due to significant losses on the battlefield.

“They can kill someone, rob a bank, or commit other crimes and then head to the front line,” Leviev said.

As of December 1, a law allows debt forgiveness of up to 10 million rubles (around $100,000) and drops criminal charges for those who volunteer to serve in the military. Recent legal changes now allow individuals to join the military even without being convicted of a crime. Suspects in police custody are offered the chance to avoid prosecution in exchange for military service. In some cases, those convicted of serious crimes have been released to join the military.

For example, two men in St. Petersburg, arrested for smuggling 200 kilograms of cocaine worth $30 million from Peru, had their charges dropped after signing contracts to serve as riflemen in an assault unit. Local media report that others accused of violent crimes have similarly avoided trials by enlisting.

Public reaction has been mixed. In a discussion on VKontakte , a woman asked whether her husband should sign a military contract. Another participant remarked that it would help him earn money and clear his criminal record but added, “I recommend you start looking for a new husband immediately—this is unlikely to end well.”

Olga Romanova, head of the NGO "Russia Behind Bars," criticized these practices, warning that they undermine the connection between crime and accountability, with long-term consequences for crime rates in Russia.

Meanwhile, the Russian government continues to explore new ways to strengthen its forces.

On December 30, Ukraine successfully facilitated the release of 189 people from Russian captivity, including military personnel and civilians. The group includes defenders of key locations such as Azovstal, Mariupol, Chernobyl, and individuals captured across various frontline regions.