An ally of Vladimir Putin and the leader of the infamous Wagner fighting group has been filmed appearing to offer pardons to hardened Russian criminals if they fight in Ukraine.
Footage shared on social media shows Yevgeny Prigozhin speaking to a large group of men at a prison in Yoshkar-Ola, central Russia.
He said they would have their freedom if they returned alive after six months service but warned they would be shot dead if they desert.
The leader of the Wagner group also said that they were forbidden from looting or having “sexual contact with local women, flora, fauna or men.”
In a strong hint that Russian fighters were expected to blow themselves up rather than allow themselves to be captured, he told them that each man would be issued with two hand grenades.
"No one is retreating. No one backs down. No one is being taken prisoner," he said, according to a subtitled video that was posted online by supporters of imprisoned opposition leader Alexei Navalny.
The Wagner Group is a privately-owned company whose operations are “deeply intertwined” with the Russian military, says the Center for Strategic and International Studies.
The group has been linked with atrocities in Ukraine as well as allegedly being involved in war crimes in Mali and the Central African Republic.
Prigozhin can be heard telling potential recruits that there would be strict rules while they were at the front.
And it appears as though there would be no restrictions on which prisoners could apply as he said: "We are very careful about those who were jailed for sexual abuse. But we understand that mistakes happen."
He did admit that conditions in Ukraine were tough.
"It isn't like any Chechen wars or anything," he told the prisoners. "We've been using two and half times more ammunition than they used at Stalingrad.
"The first sin is deserting, no one falls back, no one retreats and no one surrenders into capture. During training, you'll be told about two grenades you must have with you when surrendering.
"The second sin is alcohol and drugs, in the combat zone while you're with us for half a year you're always in the combat zone. And the third sin is looting, including sexual contact with local women, flora, fauna or men.”
"The minimum age we are taking is 22 years old, if younger, you need a paper from close relatives that they are not against it.
"The maximum age, roughly, is 50 years old, but if you're strong right here at the interview we do basic tests to see how strong you are. Good physical shape is essential."
Under Russian law, prisoners cannot be offered amnesty in return for military service but The Times reports that at least 10,000 prisoners have already been recruited for the "special military operation".
