Around 3,000 former prisoners in Ukraine have been given the option to trade jail time for a role in the Ukrainian army as the war against Russia continues. This new law aims to boost Kyiv’s fighting power by releasing prisoners to join the frontlines. The law was approved in June as part of a mobilization bill, and military leaders believe that having motivated fighters will strengthen the army. Over 30,000 Ukrainian troops have already been killed during the conflict, and the new recruitment of ex-prisoners is seen as a way to continue the effort on behalf of fallen countrymen.
The ex-convicts who choose to join the army are treated in accordance with the Armed Forces’ charter and supervised by Military Law Enforcement Service representatives. At a training ground in Kharkiv Oblast, recruits are learning skills such as handling grenades. The 57th Motorized Infantry Brigade is made up mainly of former prisoners, and this model will be replicated across Ukraine in the coming weeks as the war continues. After completing 40 days of training and coordination, these new recruits will join the rest of the battalion.
Prisoners who are not convicted of certain serious crimes, such as rape, sexual assault, murder of two or more people, or crimes against Ukraine’s national security, are eligible to participate in the program. Many of the former prisoners who have joined the army see this as an opportunity to clear their name, start a new life, and help their country in the ongoing conflict. One special forces soldier, named ‘Psycho’, expressed his motivation to be useful and make a positive impact on the frontlines after serving less than a year of his robbery sentence.
Despite their criminal pasts, these ex-convicts are now dedicated to fighting for their country and have found a sense of purpose in the army. Military instructors emphasize the motivation and determination of these new recruits, believing it gives them a higher chance of survival on the battlefield. One soldier with the call sign ‘Snake’ expressed his desire to fight in the war, mentioning that he has been trying to join since 2014. The Ukrainian deputy commander overseeing the program believes that this opportunity allows the ex-prisoners, who may have had little hope for a better life, to actively shape their futures in a positive way.
The decision to release prisoners to join the army is seen as a way to bolster the fighting power of the Ukrainian forces and continue the battle against Russia in the ongoing conflict. With over 3,000 former convicts opting to join the frontlines, the army gains motivated fighters who are willing to defend their country and honor fallen comrades. This model of recruiting ex-prisoners and providing them with training and support will be implemented across Ukraine, aiming to strengthen the military forces and contribute to the ongoing war effort. The program offers a second chance to prisoners who are willing to turn their lives around and make a positive impact on the battlefield.
