As volunteers dry up, Russia reaches deeper into its criminal underworld for new military recruits
The State Duma approved a law expanding eligibility for people with criminal records to sign military contracts with the Defense Ministry, clearing all three readings in a single sitting.
Under the new provisions, people with an outstanding, unexpunged criminal record — as well as defendants currently facing charges — will be able to join the army under statutes covering, among others, participation in a gang (Article 209 of Russia’s Criminal Code), participation in a criminal community (Article 210), drug smuggling (Article 229.1), and loss of documents containing state secrets (Article 284).
Deputy Defense Minister Viktor Goremykin, speaking at the State Duma session, said that convicts who sign contracts will serve in special units under increased supervision.
The law moved through parliament in record time: the government submitted it to the State Duma just five days ago.
The number of Russians volunteering to sign military contracts has been steadily declining in recent months, despite large cash payouts.
Amid this decline, rumors of a new wave of mobilization have intensified. Government sources have been telling Meduza and other outlets that the idea “is being discussed at every level,” though no final decision has been made. If one is made, it is presumed that mobilization could begin after elections to the State Duma, the lower house of Russia’s parliament.
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