One in four of Putin’s troops fighting in Ukraine are convicts sprung from jail — including killers

ONE in four Russians fighting in Ukraine are convicts sprung from jail — including killers, it was revealed yesterday.

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

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

But he warned tyrant Vladimir Putin is losing control of the mercenary Wagner Group warlord commanding the convicts.

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

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

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

“This means approximately one quarter of all Russian personnel serving in Ukraine are convicts recruited by Wagner.

“However we see evidence of tension between the military leadership and Wagner head Yevgeny Prigozhin.”

Meanwhile shocked residents have been pictured near a building destroyed in a Russian missile attack on Friday in the Ukrainian town of Glevakha.