Returning Russian Soldiers Spread Wartime Violence at Home

The return of Russian soldiers from the war in Ukraine has led to a surge in violent crimes within Russia, with many veterans feeling above the law due to their wartime service. Independent reports estimate hundreds of Russians have been killed or injured by these returning soldiers, many of whom were recruited from prisons. The Russian government and media have hailed these soldiers as heroes, contributing to a culture of impunity and rising crime rates. Sociologists warn that this trend is normalizing violence in Russian society.