Cases of violence among military personnel
In Russia, numerous instances of violence have been recorded involving military personnel who signed contracts with the Ministry of Defense. According to the data obtained, some of these individuals, upon returning from the war against Ukraine, committed crimes including torture, murder, and other acts of violence. As of early December 2025, Russian military personnel have killed and maimed at least 1016 people, with more than half of these murders committed by former prisoners.
Examples of crimes
One example is Mikhail Kazantsev, who was sentenced to 12 years in a penal colony in September 2025 for torturing a former partner. Kazantsev already had a criminal record for serious offenses, and in 2023 he was sentenced to 7 years of imprisonment. Alexey Tupolev, commenting on the situation, noted:
“He was sentenced to 12 years. But nothing stops him from signing a new contract with the Ministry of Defense and going back to the 'combat zone.'” – Alexey Tupolev
Another case is the murder of Rafis Khuzin's wife, Olga, in October 2025, after which he signed a contract with the Ministry of Defense to go to war. Additionally, on October 14, 2025, Salchakmaa Sambuu was hit by a car and died, but the perpetrator could not be identified for over two months. In December 2025, deputy Marat Kumukov, who was sentenced to 13 years for a group murder, was released for participation in the war.
According to statistics, of the 281 charged with murder, at least 142 individuals had previously served time in prisons. This indicates that former prisoners are becoming part of the military system and returning to society with a history of violence. The authorities, in turn, change conviction sentences, as was the case with Marat Kumukov, to allow such individuals to participate in combat actions. The press service of the parliament of Karachay-Cherkessia confirmed that the Supreme Court changed the conviction handed down to Kumukov for the murder of three people.
The situation with former prisoners who sign contracts with the Ministry of Defense raises concerns due to the high level of violence they may perpetrate after returning from war. Given that many of these individuals have a criminal past, this could have serious implications for public safety. Changes in legislation allowing released criminals to participate in combat actions underscore the need for a review of approaches to recruitment of military personnel and their subsequent integration into society.