**Putin Faces Challenges as Convict Soldiers Return from Ukraine** Vladimir Putin is preparing for the return of over 180,000 criminals who were recruited to fight in Ukraine. These individuals, including murderers and rapists, were initially promised pardons after six months of service. However, changes made by the Russian defense ministry in 2023 required them to continue fighting until the war concluded. Sources within the Kremlin have indicated that Putin is concerned about the potential destabilization of Russian society due to the mass return of these soldiers. Mark Galeotti, a Russian security affairs expert, noted that the release of these individuals could have severe consequences. He stated, "Moscow's decision to enlist convicted gangsters, murderers, rapists and similar serious criminals on a mass scale … will ensure that the impact at home will be unusually disruptive." The situation is already alarming. Reports indicate that returning soldiers have committed numerous crimes, with at least 242 civilians killed and 227 seriously injured since their return. These figures were cited by an independent Russian media outlet, which highlighted that ex-convicts are committing crimes at a higher rate than other military personnel, particularly affecting women. One notable case involved Azamat Iskaliyev, who was released after serving a fraction of his sentence for killing his wife. After returning from combat, he stabbed an ex-girlfriend over 60 times in a store after she rejected him, resulting in a 19-year prison sentence. As of November 2024, Ukraine's Foreign Intelligence Service reported that Russia had recruited between 140,000 and 180,000 prisoners for the conflict. The initial recruitment began in mid-2022, primarily through the Wagner mercenary group, before transitioning to the Russian Defense Ministry. Putin has claimed that nearly 700,000 troops are still engaged in the war. However, the long-term implications of integrating these former prisoners back into society remain a significant concern for Russian authorities. The Kremlin is reportedly taking steps to manage the reintegration process carefully, as the potential for increased violence and crime looms large.