Russia has started recruiting female prisoners for the war in Ukraine

According to The New York Times, the Russian army has found another source of manpower - female prisoners.

Here's What We Know

A group of female prisoners were released from a prison near St Petersburg last month to fight in Ukraine, The New York Times reported, citing two former inmates.

Last year, Russia was actively recruiting prisoners: according to The Times, approximately 10% of the prison's 400 inmates joined the army last year. Military recruiters offered prisoners one-year contracts as combat medics, frontline radio operators and snipers. In addition, the Russian authorities promised the prisoners a pardon and a monthly salary of $2000.

This is the first time that convicted women have been sent to fight in Ukraine. It is unclear whether the release of female prisoners is the beginning of a larger nationwide programme.

The Russian army's reliance on a war of attrition has led it to turn to controversial and controversial recruitment measures to bolster the ranks of its occupation army.

Source: The New York Times