Russia enlists up to 180,000 prisoners for war against Ukraine – Intelligence

The Russian Federation has recruited up to 180,000 prisoners to participate in the war since the start of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. They receive lower payments than other Russian soldiers, according to the Foreign Intelligence Service.

According to intelligence data, as of November 2024, the Russian Federation has recruited between 140,000 and 180,000 individuals who were serving sentences for crimes in Russian prisons to participate in the Russian-Ukrainian war.

At the same time, it is known that there were about 300,000-350,000 prisoners in Russian colonies and prisons as of 2024. This is half the number compared to 2014. The reason for this decrease is their involvement in the war.

Intelligence officials revealed that previously prisoners received a one-time payment of $1,718 under their contracts. However, in July 2024, this payment was increased to $3,524. However, prisoners and their families are deprived of several benefits and allowances received by members of volunteer formations. Additionally, the salary of these individuals is two to four times lower than that of other soldiers.

At the end of December 2024, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin signed a decree to cancel the one-time payments for prisoners. Those who have signed contracts with the Russian Ministry of Defense will not receive these payments.

Mobilization of prisoners in Russia

The recruitment of prisoners in Russia has become a common practice during the war against Ukraine. Since the middle of 2022, the Russian government, with the assistance of private military companies such as the Wagner Group, has been involving prisoners in combat operations, offering them amnesty, financial payments, and other privileges.

This initiative has been condemned by human rights organizations, which emphasize the violations of human rights and the lack of transparency regarding the conditions for the prisoners. Many of them have died due to insufficient training, and the promised benefits often remained unfulfilled.

Additionally, we have reported that Russia also plans to form assault units from prisoners infected with hepatitis B and C.