**Russia’s Military Courts Hand Down Record Number of Convictions in 2024**
In a shocking revelation, Russia’s military courts have issued a record number of criminal convictions against service members in 2024. According to official data from the Supreme Court’s judicial department, as reported by independent media outlet Verstka on April 15, the total number of convictions stood at 13,699 – a staggering 76% year-over-year increase.
This surge in convictions is a worrying sign of growing internal discipline issues within Russia’s Armed Forces. The data shows that custodial sentences have also increased sharply, with 6,838 service members receiving prison terms – more than double the number imprisoned a year earlier. Desertion remains one of the most common offenses, with Russian courts issuing an average of 34 verdicts daily in cases involving troops abandoning their units without permission.
**Drugs and Desertion: A Growing Problem**
The data also reveals a sharp rise in drug-related convictions, with 774 service members sentenced for drug trafficking – surpassing the previous high of 560 in 2015. This is concerning, given that Russian soldiers have previously told Verstka that 10-15% of personnel in many units regularly use drugs.
In another landmark case, a Russian court sentenced Roman Ivanishin, a soldier from Sakhalin, to 15 years in a maximum-security prison for voluntarily surrendering to Ukrainian forces – the first known conviction for surrender during the war. This highlights the mounting strain on Russia’s military ranks more than three years into the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
**Commentary: A Warning Sign**
The growing number of convictions is a warning sign that Russia’s Armed Forces are facing significant challenges. The fact that desertion and drug-related offenses are on the rise suggests a lack of morale and discipline within the ranks. This, coupled with the increasing use of North Korean-manufactured artillery shells in Ukraine, raises serious questions about the readiness and effectiveness of Russia’s military.
As the conflict with Ukraine continues to drag on, it is clear that Russia’s internal problems are becoming increasingly evident. The international community should take note of these developments, as they may have significant implications for the future of the war and regional stability.
**Other Developments**
In other news, Russian attacks across Ukrainian regions killed at least one civilian and injured at least 27 over the past day, regional authorities reported on April 16. US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff is expected to meet directly with French President Emmanuel Macron, while Secretary of State Marco Rubio will hold separate discussions with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot.
The Trump administration has reportedly lowered the payback it seeks under a minerals agreement with Ukraine from $300 billion to $100 billion. The Bulgarian government has announced plans to develop its nuclear energy capacities, citing security concerns in the region.
