Tens of thousands of Russian convicts were released from prisons and sent to the front line to fight in the war against Ukraine, many with the Wagner group. Some of them are dangerous criminals, who have been sent home to Russia after serving among troops, where they have been said to commit more serious crimes. Activists have said that there have been several killings committed by these prisoners in Russia, who are “traumatised” by prison and the war in Ukraine. Russia’s President Putin has said the reoffending rate among convicts who have fought in Ukraine is ten time lower compared to regular prisoners.
