Putin allows defendants to avoid trial by enlisting in military service

Russian President Vladimir Putin has introduced new measures allowing defendants in criminal cases to avoid prosecution by enlisting in the military. This law expands previous provisions, now including those whose cases are in trial but not under investigation. The changes come as Russia faces military resource challenges amid ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The government aims to recruit more troops, with a recent budget allocating 32.5% of spending for 2025 to national defense, up from 28.3%. Putin has called for an increase of 180,000 troops, raising the total military personnel in Russia to nearly 2.4 million. These developments follow over two years of fighting in Ukraine and the imposition of martial law in October 2022.