Where is Russia looking for new soldiers for the war? Version of The New York Times.

According to The New York Times, Russia is actively recruiting unselected prisoners for the war in Ukraine and is intensifying the recruitment of new servicemen into its forces. This is conveyed by the publication. To increase the number of soldiers, Russia is introducing new laws according to which it is not mandatory to be convicted of crimes to join the army. Detainees are offered to have charges dropped in exchange for voluntary service.

According to The New York Times, the army is also recruiting individuals with significant debts, recent immigrants with legal issues, as well as corrupt officials. In St. Petersburg, two men, who were accused of smuggling 200 kg of cocaine worth about 30 million dollars, were released from charges after signing contracts for service in an assault company.

According to local media reports, many suspects in serious crimes agree to serve in the army instead of facing trial.

The Kremlin is trying to avoid general mobilization because it fears protests, but continues to strengthen the army due to significant losses at the front. At the same Time, Russia is trying to bolster its position ahead of possible changes in US politics, as the newly elected president Donald Trump had previously expressed his intention to end the war.

Moreover, Vladimir Putin has signed a law that allows war participants in Ukraine to write off overdue loans up to 10 million rubles. This applies to those mobilized, conscripts, and servicemen who signed contracts after December 1, 2024, for a term of more than one year, as well as their wives.

The Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs is now stripping citizenship from individuals who have obtained Russian citizenship but have not undergone the military oath procedure.