Putin agrees that criminal suspects will be deprived of trial if they fight in Ukraine

Russian President Vladimir Putin has approved Critical changes to the country's criminal code that will allow criminal suspects to avoid prosecution if they join the military and fight in Ukraine.

Under the new policy, criminal cases against accused individuals will be automatically suspended if they register for military service with a unit in Russia.

All charges will also be dropped if they receive a state award or are discharged due to injuries sustained in combat.

The privilege does not apply to crimes such as treason, terrorism, espionage and sexual crimes.

Previously, only convicted prisoners and detainees whose cases had not yet been filed in court were allowed to end their case by joining the army.

The changes are expected to expand Moscow's pool of contract soldiers fighting in Ukraine.

It is expected that 20,000 defendants will be arrested

According to local investigative news outlet IStoriesIn Russia, around 60,000 people are awaiting criminal proceedings.

Efforts are reportedly being made to identify which of them might be suitable for military service.

Anonymous military and judicial sources estimate that only about 40 percent – or at least 100 prisoners from each of Russia's 210 pre-trial detention centers – are likely to be recruited.

“Earlier, it was a disadvantage for them if a case was not referred to the court. But now they take someone and persuade them to sign a contract immediately – this is a plus for them and they also get bonuses,” said a source noted.

Are you running out of volunteers?

Last month, Putin announced plans to increase the number of its active soldiers in Russia to 1.5 million, with the goal of becoming the second largest military in the world after China.

To achieve this, Moscow has used controversial mobilization strategies, including offering to release criminals in exchange for participation in the war.

However, a source close to the military's general staff claimed that the country is now running out of convicted prisoners willing to fight in Ukraine.

“The decision to send defendants … suggests that the influx of prisoners is drying up, it is no longer what it was before.” Those convicted on minor charges, those who will not have to serve long in prison, are not very willing to go to war,” the source argued.