Russia's post-war crime wave: General Kulikov's urgent warning
Russia has released criminals to enlist them in the army and send them to the front. Russian General Anatoly Kulikov speaks directly about what this could mean for the country after the war in Ukraine ends.
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In the first year of the invasion of Ukraine, Vladimir Putin signed a decree allowing the mobilization of criminals. In 2023, changes were made to the law on compulsory military service, which allowed contracts to be signed with convicted citizens under mobilization conditions. Exceptions are made for those convicted of sexual violence against children, terrorism, or revealing state secrets.
Recently, the Federal Penitentiary Service (FSIN) and the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia began to compile lists of convicts who could potentially sign contracts for military service and be sent to the front under forced mobilization.
Russian general warns
Former Minister of Internal Affairs General Anatoly Kulikov assesses that the end of the war could lead to an increase in crime in the Russian Federation. He notes that there is a chance of a repeat of the post-World War II era, when "entire gangs and bands" operated in the country. Hence, he emphasizes that "action must be taken now" to prevent this.
In 2024, Russia's highest increase in serious crimes since 2010 was observed. According to data from the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs, 617,301 crimes were recorded, with as many as 56,906 incidents occurring in Moscow alone. Additionally, regions neighbouring Ukraine are witnessing more frequent incidents of violent crimes.
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