New Russian law allows criminals to avoid jail by joining war in Ukraine

For over two and a half years, Russia has been at war with Ukraine. In February 2022, Vladimir Putin decided to attack Russia's eastern neighbour. Since then, both the European Union and NATO have been doing everything to support Volodymyr Zelensky’s country. This means Russia is running out of soldiers to send to the front. That’s why politicians are changing the law so that men who face a prison sentence can participate in the conflict.

It is no secret that Vladimir Putin and his associates want to do everything to have as many soldiers on the front as possible. Until now, there was a law stating that men in correctional facilities could leave if they decided to go to war. The State Duma, the lower house of parliament, has gone one step further. It will be possible to evade justice during the trial itself.

The State Duma of Russia has announced the passage of a law concerning people who are undergoing criminal trials. It will be possible for the accused to avoid punishment. All they need to do is promise that instead of going to jail, they will go to the front to fight against Ukraine. It can be assumed that the Russian Federation is struggling with staffing shortages. Politicians do not care whom they send to war. Even the worst criminals could end up there. All for the sake of winning the conflict.

According to Interfax, the law stipulates that people undergoing a criminal trial can (during mobilisation, martial law, or war) sign a contract with the army or be mobilised. If this happens, the court can easily suspend the trial and then release these individuals from criminal responsibility.

The adopted law raises huge controversies, even within Russia itself. This is because the biggest criminals who threaten society can avoid prison. No one can be sure that they won't escape from the front to neighbouring European countries, where they might commit crimes such as stealing, murder, or rape.