Ukraine is facing a shortage of soldiers, prompting the government to allow prisoners to volunteer for military service. The decision was made by parliament in Kiev and reported by Ukrainian media. However, certain prisoners, including 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. According to MP Olena Schuljak, these volunteers will serve in separate units under guard and their service will not end at the completion of their sentence but rather at the end of their contract or a general demobilization.
During Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, tens of thousands of prisoners were mobilized and released from their sentences to serve in the military. Some of these released prisoners went on to commit violent crimes again. This prompted Ukraine to take measures such as allowing prisoners with sentences up to three years to volunteer for military service and lowering the conscription age and improving the registration of men liable for military service.