Investigation finds Russia’s billboards featuring troops fighting in Ukraine include men with criminal convictions and soldiers accused of war crimes

Russian billboards depicting soldiers fighting in Ukraine's war display men with criminal convictions and those accused of war crimes, reveals a recent investigation. According to Bumaga, an investigative news outlet, 24 soldiers from St. Petersburg are featured on billboards in Russian cities. These soldiers include those killed in combat, former prisoners granted the title of Hero of Russia, and individuals suspected of war crimes committed in Ukraine.

The Defense Ministry, which publishes the biographies of these soldiers on its "Real Heroes" website, has listed over 700 soldiers in total. Despite the billboards prominently displaying the website's address, the biographical details often omit crucial information such as birthplaces, ages, and patronymics, making it difficult for journalists to identify some of the soldiers.

One such case involves Pavel Zamokin, a 40-year-old Moscow resident who was called up for military service. Once featured on billboards in Moscow and St. Petersburg, Zamokin's situation illustrates the complex and often troubling backgrounds of these soldiers. His separation from his family, financial difficulties, and subsequent military service have all contributed to his inclusion on the billboards.