In a troubling development, Russian authorities are now presenting individuals accused of crimes with a stark choice: enlist in the military and fight in Ukraine, or face prosecution. This alarming shift in policy was highlighted in the case of Andrey Perlov, a 62-year-old Olympic gold medalist, who has been detained for over six months on allegations of embezzling approximately three million roubles (around $32,000). Perlov’s family vehemently denies the charges and claims he is being coerced into joining the army.
Perlov, a celebrated athlete who won a gold medal in the 50km race walk at the 1992 Olympics, has been told that if he agrees to serve, his case will be frozen and potentially dismissed when the conflict concludes. His family fears for his health and well-being as he remains behind bars in Novosibirsk.
While it has long been known that Russian prisoners have been recruited to fight in Ukraine, recent reports indicate a disturbing trend where individuals awaiting trial are now also being targeted. Legislation enacted in March 2024 mandates that both prosecution and defense attorneys inform their clients of the option to enlist in lieu of facing court proceedings. If they agree to join the military, their criminal cases will be suspended, and often closed entirely at the end of the war.
Olga Romanova, director of the NGO Russia Behind Bars, describes this policy as a radical transformation of Russia’s legal system. “This has turned Russia’s law enforcement system upside down,” she says, illustrating how the legal process can be manipulated to recruit soldiers directly from custody.
Reports reveal that investigators are actively promoting this option to those facing charges. In one leaked conversation, an investigator explained the benefits of enlisting to a woman whose husband had been sentenced to three years for theft. “If his request is approved, he will go to war and we will close the case,” he stated.
The phenomenon is not isolated to high-profile cases; many individuals, including young offenders, are opting to enlist in a desperate bid to evade prison sentences. For instance, Yaroslav Lipavsky, who signed up with the military to avoid prosecution for serious charges, was killed in Ukraine just days after joining, highlighting the grave risks associated with this choice.
The full extent of this recruitment strategy remains unclear, but it reflects Russia’s urgent need to bolster its military ranks while minimizing the mobilization of civilians. Analysts suggest that the government views these individuals as expendable, assuming their absence will not significantly impact society or the economy.
This recruitment tactic has evolved since the Wagner Group began enlisting prisoners, initially targeting those in high-security facilities. Confidential documents reveal that nearly 50,000 inmates were recruited, with significant casualties reported in the ongoing conflict.
As pressure mounts on detainees like Andrey Perlov, many face difficult decisions. His daughter, Alina, has expressed concern over the coercive tactics employed by authorities. After Perlov refused to join the military, he was placed in a punishment cell and denied contact with his family, further exacerbating their distress.
Despite these challenges, Alina and her family remain resolute in their efforts to prove his innocence. However, they worry about the toll this situation is taking on his physical and mental health. The Russian authorities have been approached for comment on Perlov’s case and the broader implications of this recruitment policy but have yet to respond.