Russian Parliament Passes Bill to Recruit Over 20,000 Detainees for War in Ukraine

The Russian parliament has passed a bill allowing not only convicted individuals or those under investigation to be sent to fight in the war against Ukraine, but also over 20,000 detainees—people whose cases are currently being heard in court.

This was stated by Russian media Vazhnye istorii, citing sources close to the process.

According to the publication, even though the law has not yet been signed by Russian leader Vladimir Putin, Russian detention centers have already begun preparing to "release" detainees for military service. Their claims were confirmed by a source in the Ministry of Defense involved in recruitment efforts. "Out of approximately 60,000 detainees, it's expected that 40% will be taken," the source said.

Reports suggest that around 100 detainees could be recruited from each detention center. With 210 detention centers across Russia, this could result in over 20,000 individuals being sent to the front lines. Investigators and operatives are set to receive bonuses if they succeed in convincing detainees to sign military contracts.

Reports in July 2024 stated that Moscow is offering one-time signing bonus of 1.9 million rubles ($21,200) for city residents who enlist in the military and are forcing immigrants into enlisting.

August 1, Russian media Vazhnye istorii published an investigation saying that Russia is overstating the number of new contract soldiers it is recruiting by about one-and-a-half times.