Russian ruler Vladimir Putin has signed a law allowing the mobilization of those who have committed serious crimes. This makes official what is already customary: the infamous mercenary group Wagner has been recruiting criminals in Russian prisons for some time for the war of aggression against Ukraine.
Since the summer, there have been reports of such recruitment – the background to this, apparently, is the high losses suffered by Russia in the war in Ukraine. Persons convicted of child sexual abuse, treason, espionage or terrorism are exempt from the recently signed Criminal Drafting Act, RIA reported Friday.
300,000 men mobilized since the end of September
The law is the next step to get new soldiers for the invasion, after a partial mobilization was announced in September. On Friday, Putin said 318,000 soldiers have since been mobilized for the Russian armed forces. But since September 21, hundreds of thousands of Russians have fled the country to avoid conscription.
Former Russian head of state Dmitry Medvedev on Friday described citizens who had fled Russia as “cowardly traitors” on Telegram. “Cowardly traitors and greedy defectors have fled to faraway lands – let their bones rot abroad,” Medvedev wrote. “We’ve been let down by some scared partners – who cares,” he added, stressing that Russia would be “stronger and cleaner” without these people.
Tens of thousands of Russians fled the country shortly after the start of the Russian military offensive in Ukraine in February.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
