Russia's 'Sosnovsky Maniac' escaped after being sent to war from prison in Leningrad Oblast

Andrei Kiyko, a 41-year-old serial killer known as the 'Sosnovsky maniac', has gone missing in the Leningrad Oblast after escaping following his deployment to the front from a penal colony. Authorities concealed the escape for over six months before launching a search in the village of Ropsha.

Russian law enforcement and military units are searching for Andrei Kiyko, 41, a convicted serial killer known as the 'Sosnovsky maniac', in the village of Ropsha in Russia's Leningrad Oblast. The search involves both police and Ministry of Defence units, according to Russian outlets 47news and Fontanka.

Kiyko was sent to fight in Ukraine directly from a penal colony — a practice that became widespread under Russian President [Vladimir Putin](/politicians/vladimir-putin) after the Kremlin began recruiting convicts for the war effort. He subsequently escaped, and authorities kept the fact of his disappearance hidden for more than six months.

Local residents in Ropsha reported seeing an unidentified man in civilian clothes showing passersby a wanted notice bearing Kiyko's photograph on the street, suggesting that low-profile search efforts have been underway in the area for some time.

The case highlights the risks associated with Russia's controversial practice of releasing convicted criminals — including violent offenders — in exchange for military service. Critics have warned that granting freedom to dangerous felons in exchange for frontline deployment creates serious public safety risks once those individuals desert or are discharged.