The Russian parliament legalised the recruitment of criminals for military service in Ukraine, according to a statement published on the Russian State Duma’s website on Tuesday.

It said the validity of the document did not extend to those who had previously been convicted of terrorist and extremist acts, as well as offences against the sexual sanctity of minors.

The Russian parliament also wants to exempt Russian soldiers fighting in Ukraine from prosecution for minor and medium-level crimes, including theft and fraud.

It said that during their military service, mobilised soldiers and volunteers should not be bothered by the authorities.

The law states that it is possible to exempt oneself from investigations and criminal records by receiving medals during military service or by leaving service after being injured or reaching the age limit.

Last summer it became known that the mercenary group, Wagner, had massively recruited criminals from prisons.

Serious criminals are also said to have been released in the process.

Meanwhile, Wagner head, Yevgeny Prigozhin, complains that his access to Russian prisons has since been blocked. (dpa/NAN)