Regarding the news from Crimea regarding men not being allowed to leave via the Kerch bridge, no mention of them opting to leave instead via the (current) land bridge? Also, are holidaymakers included in this - bit of a downer if you are there taking a well-earned vacation...
As for the prisoner mercenaries, there is a twisted logic to this - its a great way to clear out Russia's prisons and reduce the prisoner population. What are the odds on any of them surviving 6 months and, if so, the authorities honouring their pledge to grant them amnesty?