One of the easy navigational landmarks for aircrews flying the perimeter of FT Hood at night are the state prisons all lit up on the outskirts of Gatesville along the north side of the training area. I think there must be three or four prison units there alone.
You go to do time at Gatesville, and you might as well be on another planet.
Stalin thought he could develop the country with forced labor so plenty of innocents on trumped up charges were sentenced. I see no problem with this politicians stand. Humane? Hard to believe but doable. I’d send American convicts(volunteer) to serve out their time of Russia feeds and houses them. Throw in an offer of citizenship in Siberia for good behavior.