Kadyrov proposes military service as an alternative to jail

Ramzan Kadyrov, a Chechen politician who has served as the head of the Chechen Republic since 2011, has unequivocally supported the Kremlin's actions since the beginning of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Recently, he declared additional support for Vladimir Putin by sending Chechen citizens to the front, who have committed minor administrative offences, such as traffic violations.

According to reports from "The Moscow Times," Kadyrov announced that criminals from Chechnya should have the option to choose between imprisonment or military service and participation in the war in Ukraine.

Kadyrov stated that many would prefer to sign a military contract and be sent to the front rather than serve time in prison. This initiative is intended as a form of alternative accountability that strengthens Russian forces in Ukraine while reducing the burden on the penitentiary system in Chechnya.

Instead of holding criminals administratively accountable, it will be more purposeful to send them to serve in the ranks of the Russian army. Considering that we are forming a new regiment numbering 2,500 people, this will be appropriate. There will be places for everyone, said Kadyrov.

According to information from "The Moscow Times," Ramzan Kadyrov directed his initiative primarily at young people who lead idle and immoral lifestyles. In his opinion, these individuals frequently demonstrate "disrespect for the law," for example, by parking vehicles in unauthorised areas, driving cars under the influence of alcohol or illegal substances, breaking traffic regulations, and provoking social conflicts.

Kadyrov stated that instead of evading responsibility for their actions through minor administrative penalties, young people should choose between imprisonment or military service on the front line.