Russia's post-war criminal surge: A general's stark warning
Russia released criminals to enlist them into the army and send them to the front. Russian General Anatoliy Kulikov speaks openly about what this could mean for the country after the end of the war in Ukraine.
Many pieces of information provided by Russian media or authorities are elements of propaganda. Such reports are part of the information war conducted by the Russian Federation.
In the first year of the invasion of Ukraine, Vladimir Putin signed a decree allowing for the mobilization of criminals. In 2023, changes were introduced to the law on mandatory military service, allowing contracts to be signed with convicted citizens under mobilization conditions. Exceptions include those convicted of crimes related to sexual violence against children, terrorism, or the disclosure of state secrets.
Recently, the Federal Penitentiary Service (FSIN) and the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs started preparing lists of convicts potentially suitable for signing military service contracts and sending them to the front as part of compulsory mobilization.
Russian general warns
According to former Minister of Internal Affairs Gen. Anatoliy Kulikov, the war's end could increase crime in the Russian Federation. He believes that a repeat of post-World War II times, when "entire gangs and bands" operated in the country, is possible. Therefore, he emphasizes that "action must be taken now" to prevent this.
In 2024, Russia experienced the highest increase in serious crime since 2010. According to the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs, 617,301 incidents were recorded, with 56,906 occurring in Moscow alone. Additionally, violence-related crimes are increasingly occurring in regions neighboring Ukraine.
