Putin allows broader recruitment of convicts for war in Ukraine

Russian ruler Vladimir Putin has expanded the categories of people with criminal records who can sign contracts with Russia's Defence Ministry.

Source: Radio Liberty

Details: Putin signed the relevant amendments to the law On Military Duty and Military Service.

The new edition of the law states that people convicted of or under investigation for minor and medium-gravity offences will now be able to sign contracts with the military authorities. This also applies to some offences related to illegal trafficking in weapons and explosives, breaches of safety rules and certain military and transport-related crimes.

The ban remains in place for those convicted of or under investigation for crimes against the sexual inviolability of minors, terrorism, treason, espionage, sabotage, extremism, extortion and a number of other serious crimes against the state and public security.

Background: On 3 August, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that the total number of Russian troops killed and wounded had reached about 1,451,750.

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