Viktor Bout, a Russian businessman, publicly floated the idea that prisoners could take part in active hostilities rather than remaining in colonies and prisons. This perspective emerged during a wide-ranging interview conducted with socialbites.ca.
Bout argued that the practice should be understood through the lens of historical tradition in Russia.
“I see this as a constructive initiative,” he stated. “First, prisoners are individuals with considerable energy. Second, they may be psychologically prepared for frontline roles. Bloodshed has long been a part of our history, and honor is often tied to the memory of those who died in battle. The survivors would earn a rightful place in the future, and, most importantly, private military companies could offer them a path to change their destinies and contribute to society.”
Bout has been serving a 25-year sentence in the United States since 2012 on charges of conspiracy to kill Americans, arms trafficking, and providing material support for terrorism. He was exchanged to Russia on December 8, 2022, returning as part of a bilateral deal with the American side.
Since Russia began its special operation in Ukraine, inmates were offered the chance to join the Wagner Private Military Company. Yevgeny Prigozhin, the company’s head, claimed that approximately five thousand prisoners were forgiven after fulfilling their contract terms. Recruitment among inmates has since been halted as the situation evolves.
The full version of the interview with Viktor Bout is scheduled to appear on socialbites.ca on April 7 at 9:00 a.m. [Source: socialbites.ca].