Russia expands military recruitment to convicts with serious crimes
This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.
Russia's State Duma on Wednesday expanded eligibility for military contracts to individuals convicted of serious crimes including banditry, drug trafficking, and smuggling. The law, published July 22, allows those with unresolved criminal records to join the Armed Forces.
Expanded Eligibility
The new law covers convicts under articles for smuggling cash, drugs, weapons, explosives, nuclear materials, and pathogenic biological agents (Articles 200.1, 229.1, 226.1). It also includes those convicted of illegal entry into protected facilities, violating security of fuel-energy complexes, illegal handling of nuclear materials, and theft of nuclear materials (Articles 215.4, 217.1, 220, 221). Additionally, individuals convicted of banditry, organizing a criminal community, illegal migration, and loss of state secret documents (Articles 209 part 2, 210 part 2, 322.1, 284) can now enlist.
Legislative Package
The law was adopted alongside amendments to Article 78(1) of the Russian Criminal Code, according to Interfax. The package broadens recruitment criteria as Russia continues to face high casualty rates in Ukraine.
Casualty Ratio Shift
A CSIS study reported that Russian military losses in 2026 are eight times higher than Ukrainian losses. Since February 2022, total casualties (killed, wounded, missing) are estimated at 2 million, with 1.4 million on the Russian side. The loss ratio, previously 2:1 or 3:1, rose to 8:1 in the first half of 2026, with over 90% of Russian losses attributed to drone strikes.
What's Next
The law takes effect immediately upon publication. It remains unclear how many convicts will volunteer and whether this will significantly offset Russian manpower shortages.
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Russia expands military recruitment to convicts with serious crimes
