Amid a shortage of soldiers, Ukraine has decided to allow prisoners to volunteer for military service. The decision was made by the parliament in Kiev and reported by Ukrainian media. However, certain prisoners, such as serious criminals like murderers, rapists, drug dealers, and those convicted of corruption or crimes against national security, are not eligible to enlist.
In an effort to address the soldier shortage at the front, Ukraine has implemented new laws that allow prisoners with sentences of up to three years to volunteer for military service. This move was prompted by Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine which saw tens of thousands of prisoners mobilized and released from their sentences to serve in the military. Some of these released prisoners went on to commit violent crimes again.
According to MP Olena Schuljak, prisoners who volunteer for military service will serve in separate units under guard. Their service will not end at the completion of their sentence but rather at the end of their contract or a general demobilization. Ukraine has also taken steps to lower the conscription age and improve the registration of men liable for military service to address the shortage of soldiers.