Former Mayor’s Bribery Conviction Overturned
Oleg Gumenyuk, the ex-mayor of Vladivostok, Russia, who had been serving a 12-year prison sentence for bribery, has been released after reportedly agreeing to join the Russian military forces fighting in Ukraine. Gumenyuk, convicted last year for accepting bribes amounting to 38 million roubles, saw his sentence cut short after signing a contract to participate in the ongoing military operation in Ukraine. The news surfaced through Russian media, and his lawyer, Andrei Kitaev, confirmed the development, adding that Gumenyuk had been instructed to report to his military unit on December 22.
Details of Agreement and Deployment
While the specifics of Gumenyuk’s agreement and deployment remain unconfirmed by local officials, social media images circulating online depict a man resembling the former mayor carrying a gun alongside other troops. The lawyer did not disclose Gumenyuk’s current location. If verified, Gumenyuk’s recruitment suggests the Kremlin’s urgent need to bolster its forces in Ukraine, facing substantial losses over the past 22 months of the conflict. Russia has previously employed a strategy of recruiting released prisoners to reinforce its troops in Ukraine, offering a pardon to those who commit to a six-month frontline service.
Kremlin’s Recruitment Strategy
The reported release and recruitment of Gumenyuk align with Russia’s known practice of enlisting individuals recently released from prisons to bolster its military presence in Ukraine. This strategy aims to address the need for additional personnel in the ongoing conflict, providing an opportunity for inmates to serve on the frontline for six months, with the promise of a pardon upon their return. The Kremlin’s reliance on such recruitment tactics reflects the challenges faced by Russia in sustaining its military operations in Ukraine and the consequential impact on its troop strength.
Significant Losses and Urgency
The revelation of Gumenyuk’s release to join military operations underscores the urgency and significance of the Kremlin’s efforts to replenish its forces in Ukraine. As the conflict persists, Russia continues to grapple with considerable losses, prompting unconventional measures such as recruiting former convicts. The situation reflects the complex dynamics and strategies involved in the ongoing military engagement in Ukraine, with the Kremlin seeking diverse sources to maintain its military presence in the region.
SOURCE: Ref Image from The India Express
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