Four Murders and Two Pardons: The Butcher from Suntar

In Yakutia, a man twice convicted of murder and twice pardoned after joining the war has been detained again — now suspected of a fourth killing. Viktor Savinov, known locally as “the Butcher from Suntar,” built a long criminal record that includes theft, robbery, assault, and multiple murders. Each time he received a lengthy sentence, he avoided serving it in full by signing a military contract and going to the front.After fighting with Wagner and later under a Ministry of Defense contract, Savinov returned home — and, according to investigators, killed again. Among his victims was 64-year-old Valentina Fyodorova, a respected retired schoolteacher with 40 years of experience. Her family repeatedly warned authorities that Savinov was dangerous after he was released early once more.This episode explores the growing pattern critics call the “prison–front–freedom” cycle, where convicted criminals receive pardons in exchange for military service. Legal experts and psychologists warn that this system may be removing fear of punishment and increasing the risk of repeated violence.How many times can a convicted killer be given a second chance? And who pays the price each time?