One in four of Putin’s troops fighting in Ukraine are convicts released from prison, including murderers

ONE in four Russians fighting in Ukraine are convicts released from prison – including murderers, it was revealed yesterday.

The lags are promised a full pardon for crimes if they survive six months on the front lines.

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British military expert Ian Stubbs made the revelation as the first anniversary of the conflict looms next month.

But he warned the tyrant Vladimir Putin not to lose control of the Wagner Group mercenary who commands the convicts.

Mr Stubbs said: “Wagner has become a key component of the Ukraine campaign.

“It almost certainly has up to 50,000 fighters.

“At least 40,000 of them appear to be convicts.

“This means that about a quarter of all Russian personnel serving in Ukraine are convicts recruited by Wagner.

“However, we see signs of tension between the military leadership and Wagner boss Yevgeny Prigozhin.”

Meanwhile, shocked residents in the Ukrainian town of Glevakha were photographed near a building destroyed in a Russian missile attack on Friday.