Moscow, Russia — A convicted murderer has signed his second contract to fight in Moscow’s war on Ukraine, despite recently receiving a new prison sentence for a subsequent murder, according to the Travmpunkt legal rights group.
Ivan Rossomakhin, who was initially recruited by the Wagner mercenary group in 2022, now faces renewed controversy over the Russian military’s use of convicted criminals.
Rossomakhin, who had been serving a 14-year sentence for murder, was first enlisted by the Wagner group to participate in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
This controversial practice of recruiting prisoners for military service began in 2022 and was led by the Wagner group before being taken over by Russia’s Defense Ministry early last year.
In April 2024, Rossomakhin was convicted of an additional violent crime after returning to his hometown in the Kirov region.
He was sentenced to 22 years in prison for the rape and stabbing of an elderly neighbor. This sentence was later extended to 23 years following an appeals court review.
The Travmpunkt legal rights group, which advocates for victims of violent crime, revealed that the head of the prison where Rossomakhin was held informed the victim’s family that he had been released under a law allowing convicted criminals to join the military.
Despite his new sentence, Rossomakhin reportedly served less than six months before being redeployed to the front lines.
The Telegram news channel Ostorozhno Novosti, which first reported Rossomakhin’s latest military contract, suggested that this might be the first instance where a recruited prisoner has avoided punishment by returning to a war zone after being sentenced for additional crimes.
The practice of recruiting prisoners to fight in Ukraine has been part of Russia’s broader strategy to bolster its military presence in the conflict.
A law signed by President Vladimir Putin in March 2023 allows convicted recruits to have their remaining sentences suspended for the duration of their military service. Additionally, those who receive state awards for their service could see their criminal records expunged.
The use of prisoners in the conflict has raised serious concerns about the ethics and legality of the practice.
Russian courts reported a record number of soldiers convicted of murder in 2023, amid growing concerns about violence committed by servicemen after their return from the front lines.
The situation highlights broader issues within Russia’s military recruitment practices and the legal framework governing convicted criminals’ participation in armed conflict.
The Russian government’s policies, while designed to address manpower shortages, have come under scrutiny for potentially undermining justice and accountability.
Travmpunkt and other advocacy groups continue to monitor and report on the implications of these policies, emphasizing the need for greater oversight and accountability in the recruitment and deployment of convicted criminals.
The case of Ivan Rossomakhin serves as a stark example of the complexities and controversies surrounding Russia’s approach to managing its military and legal systems.
As the conflict in Ukraine continues, the intersection of military recruitment and criminal justice remains a critical issue, with ongoing debates about the ethical and legal ramifications of utilizing convicted criminals in warfare.