Hardened Russian prisoners are offered freedom during six months of fighting in Ukraine

The leader of the infamous Wagner Group, which has close ties to Russian leader Vladimir Putin, was filmed telling hardened criminals that his 'they joined the fight in Ukraine, they could be released after six months

Footage shows prisoners freed for fighting in Ukraine

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 addressing 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 of service, but warned they would be shot if they deserted.

The Wagner Group leader also said they were prohibited from looting or having "sexual contact with local women, flora, fauna or men".

In a strong hint that the Russian fighters should blow themselves up rather than allow themselves to be captured, he told them that each man would be given two hand grenades.

The leader of the Wagner group tells the prisoners that they will be shot for desertion

“No one is retreating. No one is retreating. No one is being taken prisoner,” he said, according to a captioned video uploaded by supporters of jailed opposition leader Alexei Navalny .

The Wagner Group is a private company whose activities are "deeply linked" to the Russian military, according to the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

The group has been linked to atrocities in Ukraine and allegedly implicated 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 are at the front.