Putin signs the decree: Criminals could go to war against Ukraine

Speaking to some young people and volunteers in Moscow on November 4th, Putin said that 318,000 people have joined the war since mobilization was declared in September, including 18,000 volunteers.

Putin's speech comes the same day that he signed a law allowing the mobilization of persons with criminal backgrounds, including those who committed serious crimes. The mobilization has ruled out those convicted of sexual crimes against children for treason, spying, or terrorism.

As far as I know, 49,000 of the mobilized have performed combat duties, while others are training”, Putin said.

Russia initially occupied large Ukraine territories after beginning its conquest in February, but for months the Kremlin has suffered major losses of soldiers and territories because of two Ukrainian counteroffensives.

Battle strikes, which have made it difficult for Russia to keep the fronts in the still occupied southern and eastern parts of Ukraine, have forced the Kremlin to proclaim mobilization and are increasingly dependent on mercenaries or Chechen troops to fill the ranks.

Putin's associate, leader of the private Wagner military group, Yevgeny PigozinHe has reportedly recruited thousands of Russian prisoners for the war in Ukraine.
Putin said on November 4th that efforts to recruit volunteers continue, despite many indications that mobilization is not popular in Russia.