Russian Man Enlists for War as Putin Grants Pardon for Ex-Girlfriend’s Brutal Stabbing

Russian President Vladimir Putin has granted a pardon to Vladislav Kanyus, a convicted murderer, after he enlisted for the war in Ukraine. Kanyus had served less than a year of his 17-year sentence for the brutal killing of his ex-girlfriend, Vera Pekhteleva. Reports state that Kanyus stabbed her 111 times, raped and tortured her for hours before strangling her with a cable iron. Shockingly, neighbors had called the police multiple times during the incident, but their calls were ignored.

The news of Kanyus’ pardon came to light when Vera Pekhteleva’s mother, Oksana, discovered pictures of him in a military uniform holding a weapon. Oksana expressed her anguish, saying, “This was a devastating blow to me. My child will remain in her grave, and I have been deprived of everything – my life, any hope.”

Women’s rights activist Alyona Popova revealed that prison authorities confirmed Kanyus’ transfer to Rostov, a region in southern Russia near the Ukrainian border. She shared a letter from the Russian Prosecutor General’s Office, dated November 3, which stated that Kanyus had been pardoned, and his conviction had been expunged by a presidential decree on April 27.

Oksana is heartbroken and holds Putin responsible for pardoning her daughter’s killer. She is perplexed by the decision to allow him to join the war after committing such a heinous crime and now fears for her own safety. Oksana questioned, “How could a merciless murderer be given a weapon? Why is he being sent to the front line to defend Russia? He is scum. He is not a human being.” She also expressed concern that he may seek revenge against the victims.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov defended the policy, stating that Russian prisoners sent to fight in Ukraine are “atoning for their crimes with blood.” He argued that these individuals, even those convicted of serious crimes, are redeeming themselves on the battlefield.

The decision to pardon a convicted murderer and allow him to enlist in the war has sparked outrage and raised serious questions about justice and the safety of the victims’ families. The grieving mother, Oksana, finds herself in a state of despair, unsure of what to do next in the face of what she perceives as the lawlessness of the state.