In Russia, the number of murders committed by soldiers returning from the war against Ukraine is increasing. This is partly due to war-related mental health issues, states the British Ministry of Defense.
For example, the Russian opposition media outlet Mediazona reported that 116 Russian military personnel were convicted of murder in 2023. This is almost 900% more than in the previous year.
The New York Times also cited the head of the organization Russia Behind Bars as saying that 15,000 prisoners who had been pardoned for their participation in the war had returned home from the front.
According to Verstka, 190 criminal cases were opened against former convicts in 2023, including 20 cases of murder or attempted murder in 2023.
"The large number of murders committed by Russian soldiers serving and veterans is likely to be partly due to chronic mental health problems related to the war. These include post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and decreased sensitivity to violence on the battlefield," the intelligence notes.
In addition to the war, alcoholism, and drug use due to low morale and boredom are also among the reasons for the increase in the number of murders.
Losses of the Russian army
Moscow is hiding the losses of its occupation forces in the war against Ukraine. It is known that the Russians are stepping up recruitment of men into the army, involving prisoners. They are sent to war and have their prison sentences "written off".
Russia is also currently holding a spring conscription. The Kremlin wants to recruit up to 150,000 conscripts.
According to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Russia has already lost 465,000 soldiers and thousands of pieces of equipment.
