A convicted murderer in Russia, Ivan Rossomakhin, has signed a second contract to fight in Moscow’s war on Ukraine shortly after being sentenced to 22 years in prison for another murder. Rossomakhin had initially been serving a 14-year sentence for murder when he was recruited by the Wagner mercenary group in 2022 to fight in Ukraine. After brutally murdering his elderly neighbor upon returning to his hometown, he received an extended sentence of 23 years. Despite this, the former Wagner fighter served less than six months in prison before being sent back to the front lines to join the war in Ukraine.
The news of Rossomakhin’s latest military contract was first reported by the Telegram news channel Ostorozhno Novosti. This case is believed to be the first instance where a recruited prisoner has avoided punishment by being deployed to a war zone for the second time. The practice of recruiting prisoners for the war in Ukraine was initially led by Wagner, but Russia’s Defense Ministry took over prison recruitment in the past year. A new law signed by President Vladimir Putin in March allows convicted recruits to have their remaining sentences suspended during their military service and potentially have their criminal records expunged if they receive state awards.
In 2023, Russian courts convicted a record number of soldiers for murder, with reports of violence committed by servicemen upon returning from Ukraine increasing. The case of Rossomakhin highlights the challenges and controversies surrounding the recruitment of convicted criminals to participate in military operations, particularly in the context of ongoing conflicts such as the war in Ukraine. The involvement of former prisoners with violent criminal histories in military activities raises concerns about their behavior on the front lines and the potential consequences of their actions in conflict zones.
The Travmpunkt legal rights group, which advocates for victims of violent crime, raised awareness about the case of Rossomakhin and the practice of recruiting prisoners for military service. The head of the prison where Rossomakhin was incarcerated informed the victim’s family that he had been released under a law permitting convicted criminals to join the military. Despite facing a 23-year sentence for murder, Rossomakhin served significantly less time in prison before being sent back to the front lines, demonstrating the complex interplay between the legal system, military recruitment practices, and the enforcement of justice and accountability.
In light of the challenges faced by independent journalism in Russia, including censorship and criminalization of media organizations such as The Moscow Times, it is crucial to support open, unbiased reporting that provides accurate information about critical issues such as the recruitment of convicted criminals for military service. The actions taken by the Russian authorities to silence independent journalists and restrict press freedom highlight the importance of supporting journalism that seeks to uncover the truth and hold those in power accountable. By standing with journalists and media organizations facing repression, individuals can help defend the principles of free expression and access to information in challenging environments.
