The Return of russian Military Servicemen from the Front Lines Has Caused a Wave of Violence Within the Country

12/14/2025

In russia, the return of soldiers from the front lines has become a serious internal threat –“veterans” from the war against Ukraine have already killed or maimed more than a thousand people.

At least 551 deaths have been recorded as a result of actions by russian servicemen who returned to civilian life during leave, after being wounded, or having completed their contracts. Of those, 274 were killed and another 163 died from injuries sustained as a result of beatings or traffic accidents. 142 criminals had previously been convicted, including for similar crimes, and went to war straight from prison.

In total, russian courts – both military and civilian – have handed down sentences to 8,000 current and former participants in the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

More than 900 “veterans” have been convicted of violent crimes, including murder and assault. Separately, courts have recorded proceedings for theft, carjacking, and other property damage (3,000 people), drug-related crimes (1,500), and fraud (almost 400 defendants).

In 90 % of cases, russian courts consider participation in the war as a mitigating circumstance. Thus, the system effectively legalizes violence committed by the military and encourages impunity.

The mass return of armed, traumatized, and criminalized war participants to russian cities and towns has led to a sharp increase in domestic violence. This testifies to the profound destruction of the russian law enforcement and judicial systems, which not only fail to deter criminals but actually encourage their impunity under the pretext of “service at the front”.