Russia's soldiers bringing wartime violence back home

In recent times, Russia has been facing a troubling situation as soldiers returning from the war in Ukraine have been linked to a significant rise in violence. Reports indicate that at least 242 individuals have lost their lives due to attacks by these soldiers. One alarming incident involved a woman named Irina, who was assaulted by a man in Artyom, a city in Russia's far east. Irina was simply returning home from a night out when the man, who had served in Ukraine, attacked her with a crutch, breaking it in the process. When the police arrived, the assailant presented a document proving his military service and claimed that he would not face any consequences for his actions. This incident is just one of many that highlight the concerning trend of violence associated with soldiers returning from the conflict. An independent Russian website, Verstka, estimates that at least 242 Russians have been killed by soldiers returning from Ukraine, with another 227 suffering serious injuries. Many of these attackers had prior criminal records and were released from prison specifically to join the military efforts in Ukraine. The Wagner Group, a private military company, is believed to have recruited over 48,000 prisoners to fight in the war. Following the death of Wagner's leader, Yevgeny Prigozhin, in a plane crash, the Russian defense ministry took over the recruitment of prisoners. Sociologist Igor Eidman has expressed deep concern about the impact of these developments on Russian society, stating that traditional notions of good and evil are being distorted. He remarked, 'This is a very serious problem, and it can potentially get worse. All the traditional ideas of good and evil are being turned upside down. ' The glorification of soldiers who have committed heinous crimes, such as murder and assault, is alarming. They are being celebrated as heroes for their service in the war, which raises serious ethical questions about the values being promoted in society. The perception of returning soldiers as 'heroes' is further reinforced by official media and even President Vladimir Putin, who has labeled them as the new 'elite' of Russia. Many soldiers who were previously incarcerated have had their convictions erased or received pardons, allowing them to join the military. This creates a dangerous precedent where individuals with violent pasts are not only allowed to serve but are also celebrated upon their return. It is not uncommon for these released convicts to reoffend after returning from the war, escaping punishment once again by rejoining the front lines. This situation has left some law enforcement officials feeling disheartened. One police officer, Grigory, shared his frustration, stating, 'Four years ago, I put him away for seven years, and here he is in front of me again, saying: 'You won't be able to do anything, officer. Now's our time, the time of those who are shedding blood in the special military operation. ' The Russian judicial system has increasingly used participation in the war as a reason for issuing lighter sentences. However, many cases do not even make it to court due to a new law in Moscow that criminalizes any negative comments about the Russian armed forces. This law has made some victims of crimes committed by veterans hesitant to report their experiences. Olga Romanova, the head of the prisoner rights organization Russia Behind Bars, has pointed out that this sense of impunity is contributing to rising crime rates. She stated, 'The main consequence is the gap between crime and punishment in the public mind. If you commit a crime, it is far from certain that you are going to be punished. ' In 2023, serious crimes in Russia increased by nearly 10%, and the number of military personnel convicted of crimes more than doubled in the first half of the year compared to the previous year. Sociologist Anna Kuleshova argues that violence is becoming more normalized in Russian society, particularly as criminals can evade punishment by going to war. She noted, 'There is a tendency to legalize violence. The idea that violence is a kind of norm will probably spread - violence at school, domestic violence, violence in relationships and as a way to resolve conflicts. ' This troubling trend is being fueled by the militarization of society, a shift towards conservatism, and the romanticization of war. The violent acts committed within the country are being overshadowed by the violence of war, leading to a dangerous cycle of aggression and impunity.