In Russia, the return of military personnel from the front has become a serious domestic threat – “veterans” of the war against Ukraine have already killed or maimed over a thousand people.
At least 551 deaths have been recorded as a result of actions by Russian servicemen who returned to civilian life during leave, after injuries, or at the end of contracts. Of these, 274 people were killed, and another 163 died from injuries sustained due to beatings or traffic accidents. 142 of the offenders had previous convictions, including for similar crimes, and went to war directly from prison.
Overall, Russian courts – both military and civilian – have issued verdicts for 8,000 active and former participants of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
More than 900 “veterans” were convicted of violent crimes, including murder and assault. Separately, courts recorded cases of theft, vehicle theft, and other property crimes (3,000 people), drug-related offenses (1,500), and fraud – nearly 400 individuals.
In 90% of cases, Russian courts consider participation in the war as a mitigating factor. As a result, the system effectively legalizes violence committed by military personnel and encourages impunity.
The mass return of armed, injured, and criminalized war participants to Russian cities and towns has led to a sharp rise in domestic violence. This reflects the deep dysfunction of Russia’s law enforcement and judicial system, which not only fails to restrain criminals but effectively encourages their impunity under the guise of “service at the front.”
