Russian convict Aleksandr Abbasov-Derskhan says his country betrayed him after he lost his right leg to a mine while fighting in Ukraine. The 39-year-old, imprisoned for murder, joined Storm Z—a unit made up of convicts—hoping for a new start. But he claims recruiters promised benefits like civilian soldiers receive, including higher payments for lost limbs and disability pensions.

Instead, he received $6,300 for six months of service and a $3,800 insurance payout, far less than the 10x compensation and $55-$283 monthly pension available to other veterans. Putin signed a law in October granting Storm Z soldiers equal benefits, but Abbasov-Derskhan doubts he'll see any advantage. His story mirrors complaints from other former convicts who say they were misled about war aims and post-service support.