Russia's new law lets trial defendants head to war instead of jail

For over two and a half years, Russia has been at war with Ukraine. In February 2022, Vladimir Putin decided to attack this 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. As a result, politicians are changing the laws so that men who face a prison sentence can participate in combat.

It is no secret that Vladimir Putin and his associates aim to maximize the number of front-line soldiers. Until now, there was a law allowing men in correctional facilities to leave if they decided to go to war. The State Duma, the lower house of parliament, has now taken this further, allowing individuals to evade justice during the trial.

The State Duma of Russia has announced the passage of a law affecting individuals undergoing criminal trials. It will now be possible for the accused to avoid punishment simply by promising to go to the front to fight against Ukraine instead of going to jail. This suggests that the Russian Federation is struggling with staffing shortages. Politicians appear indifferent to whom they send to war, potentially even the worst criminals.

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

The adopted law raises huge controversies, even within Russia itself. The most significant concern is that dangerous criminals who pose a threat to society can now avoid prison. There is no guarantee that they won't escape from the front lines to neighbouring European countries, where they might steal, murder, or commit rape.