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Russia’s War Unleashes Surge in Sexual Violence and Murder by Its Own Soldiers
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In 2025, Russia’s military courts saw a dramatic rise in criminal cases involving sexual violence and murder, according to a report by the Russian publication Vot Tak, which analyzed judicial statistics from 2018 to 2025.
The number of rape cases processed by military courts surged to 116 in 2025, an increase of nearly 9 times compared to 2021, when just 13 such cases were reported.
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Similarly, the number of cases involving sexual violence rose more than fivefold, with 132 cases filed in 2025, compared to only 24 in 2021.
From 2022, the year Russia launched its large-scale invasion of Ukraine, military courts have processed a total of 549 cases. Of these, at least 312 cases involved crimes against minors, with 249 victims being under 14 years old.
In addition to sexual violence, the number of murder and grievous bodily harm cases also spiked in 2025. The courts received 352 murder cases, a nearly 17-fold increase from the 21 cases in 2021. Similarly, cases involving serious bodily harm resulting in death rose by nine times, from 15 cases in 2021 to 135 in 2025.
The analysis also highlights that between 2022 and 2025, only 17% of military killings involved fellow soldiers. The majority of victims were either friends and acquaintances of the perpetrators or random civilians.
These trends in criminal cases point to the increasing brutality within the Russian military, raising concerns about the ongoing impact of the war on military personnel and civilians alike.
The same year, in 2025, Russia recorded its highest number of serious and especially serious crimes in the past 15 years, with 627,900 cases registered, signaling a systemic decline in the country’s internal security. This alarming statistic was reported by the Center for Countering Disinformation (CCD) on January 15.
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The increase in violent crimes marks a third consecutive year of rising criminal activity, and analysts link this escalation directly to Russia's war against Ukraine. A significant number of combatants, including former prisoners recruited to fight at the front, are returning to civilian life, bringing with them a heightened risk of violent behavior. These individuals are increasingly being involved in criminal cases related to murder, armed robbery, violent assaults, and drug trafficking.
In this context, the Kremlin is gearing up for the 2026 State Duma elections while also grappling with concerns about the integration of its own “veterans.” Despite the official glorification of those who fought in the war, authorities are reportedly uncertain whether Russian society is prepared to accept them as lawmakers.
As Russia prepares for the return of soldiers, particularly those recruited from prisons, concerns are mounting over the potential impact on public security. With hundreds of thousands of troops returning from Ukraine, many after years of frontline service, some are expected to be celebrated as heroes.
However, analysts warn that a significant number of returning fighters, especially those with criminal backgrounds, could pose serious risks to public safety.
One major concern is the group of recruits brought in from prisons under “special military contracts.” Since 2022, Russia has enlisted tens of thousands of convicts, offering pardons and financial incentives in exchange for frontline service.
Many of these individuals had been serving time for violent crimes, such as murder and armed robbery. Their early release, combined with combat experience, raises concerns about the potential for an increase in organized crime and domestic violence upon their return.
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