Under new laws, individuals who are detained by the police on suspicion of crimes are being told that any pending charges will be dropped if they volunteer for military service. This has led many criminals, even those accused of serious offenses, to join the army. For example, in St. Petersburg, two men arrested for smuggling large amounts of cocaine had their charges dropped in exchange for agreeing to serve in combat units.

Additionally, a new law targeting people with significant unpaid debts offers debt forgiveness and suspends enforcement actions if they agree to fight in the military. This includes many individuals who owe large sums, especially for unpaid alimony.

Recently, immigrants who have recently acquired Russian citizenship, particularly laborers from former Soviet republics, are also being swept up in recruitment drives. Those who have not registered for military service are being taken directly to enlistment offices, with some even having their citizenship revoked if they refuse.

Alongside these efforts, Russia has also focused on politicians and state officials jailed for corruption, offering them a chance to serve in exchange for getting out of prison. Many former officials, including mayors and directors of municipal services, have expressed interest in joining the military to avoid serving their sentences.

This shift has led to the breakdown of the traditional relationship between crime and punishment, raising concerns about the long-term effects on the crime rate in Russia. Some individuals see military service as a better alternative to prison, where conditions are harsh and rights are limited.

Furthermore, some high-profile figures, like a former Olympic gold medalist, have also been pressured to join the war. This situation is being seen by many as a way for the state to clean up its image and resolve legal issues without facing accountability.

Overall, Russia is using a range of methods to meet its military needs, which could have profound effects on the country’s crime rates, security systems, and social fabric in the future.