Alexei Sherstobitov, known to many by his nickname Lesha Soldat, remains at the center of attention following conflicting reports about his potential release from prison and involvement with military operations. Familial sources have categorically denied circulating rumors, stating unequivocally, "No similar documents have been received by the judicial authorities," as reported by SHOT, the Telegram channel involved in reporting on his case.
The 58-year-old Sherstobitov is currently serving a 23-year sentence for his role as one of Russia's most notorious hired killers during the 1990s. Originally convicted for 12 confirmed murders, he continues to occupy IK-6, a correctional facility situated within the Lipetsk region of Russia. Reports surfaced earlier indicating the administration of the nearby IK-2 facility had even considered his request for parole, but representatives of the UFSIN (the Federal Penitentiary Service of Russia) have swiftly denied any such advancements, declaring the information to be "inconsistent with reality" and refused to provide additional comments.
Despite this backdrop of legal and personal controversy, Sherstobitov's family asserted their disbelief of reports claiming he would apply for spring release or join the frontlines of any special military operation. Meanwhile, media outlets, including Mash, disclosed information indicating Sherstobitov does not believe he will be granted parole and plans to request deployment to active military duty instead. He expressed this intention without having entered any formal contract with the Russian Ministry of Defense, potentially indicative of his outlook as he counts the remaining time until his release, expected within the next 3.5 years.
A key feature of Sherstobitov's notoriety lies not only within the number of calculated killings attributed to him but also his elusive nature as he avoided capture for many years. When discussing the details of his extensive criminal activity, law enforcement officials indicate he employed disguises such as wigs and fake beards to conceal his identity during various criminal undertakings. He eluded authorities, managing to keep his name and face away from the public eye until his arrest back in 2006, which marked the conclusion of his ruthless decade-long execution of contract killings.
Reports about the potential parole had first emerged from alleged insider knowledge within the penal system, which suggested administrators viewed him as having reformed during his time incarcerated. He reportedly works within the local church and has taken up writing books to fill his free hours—a significant shift from his previous life as he coped with serious health problems and sought to make use of his time more constructively.
Nonetheless, the question of Sherstobitov's future remains unresolved. With the pending decision from the Lipetsk court, expected to be finalized within the next two months, the weight of his past looms large over potential prison reforms he may encounter. The alleged intent to join the special military operations, even if only verbally asserted, draws sharp attention to the broader sociopolitical environment shaping narratives around crime and redemption within the Russian justice system.
Echoing sentiments around the speculation of Sherstobitov’s intended military involvement, the claims of potential participation point to the desperation of some prisoners to engage with the state during turbulent times—even more so as the backdrop of sweeping military actions stirs within the Russian political discourse.
Meanwhile, the discourse surrounding Sherstobitov reverberates through the community, evoking concerns among the public. While many are wary of his potential return to society, others contemplate the ramifications of rehabilitation and second chances when dealing with criminals once thought irredeemable. This highlights the dual narrative embedded within the case—between justice and mercy, safety and redemption.
To date, the public’s interest stems not only from the gravity of the crimes Sherstobitov committed but also the broader realization of what it means to be both enforceable law and lax judicial processes. Should Sherstobitov be granted parole, the years spent as Lesha Soldat will forever impact those intertwined with his past crimes. Only time will reveal if he can flourish once outside the confines of prison walls or if the shadows of his past will forever haunt him.