Russia Expands Prison Recruitment for Ukraine War With New Bill

Russia’s State Duma passed a bill expanding which prisoners may be recruited to fight in Ukraine. Reporting says the law broadens eligibility by allowing more inmates—especially those convicted of serious criminal offenses, including participation in organized crime and certain security-related violations—to sign contracts with the Defense Ministry in return for a “clean slate.” Officials said the recruits would be placed in separate units and kept away from contract soldiers without criminal records. The measure comes as Moscow struggles to meet recruitment needs amid heavy losses, according to Ukrainian and independent reporting.