Ukrainian Armed Forces Recruitment of Ex-Prisoners
As of early April, the Ukrainian Armed Forces has successfully recruited over 8,000 former prisoners, according to a recent report from the country’s justice department. This initiative saw the first group of volunteers commence service in August of last year, facilitated by a parole grant that allowed them to join combat units. Among the units welcoming these recruits are the frontline assault brigades, including the 1st Separate Assault Battalion “Da Vinci,” the 92nd Separate Assault Brigade “Ivan Sirko,” and the 93rd Mechanized Brigade “Kholodny Yar.” Notably, many of these individuals have already been recognized with state awards for their valor and contributions on the battlefield, particularly in the ongoing defense against Russian aggression.
Currently, the Ukrainian government is processing around 900 applications for parole and early release for individuals seeking to serve in the military. This reflects a growing trend in using willing former convicts as a resource for the armed forces, enhancing both recruitment numbers and military effectiveness.
Clemency for Potential Troops
The recruitment of ex-prisoners into the Ukrainian military is grounded in a legal framework established by a state law signed by President Volodymyr Zelensky in May 2024. This legislation permits court-ordered paroles for individuals convicted of minor offenses, allowing them to serve under military contracts. However, eligibility is strictly limited; those sentenced for serious crimes, such as felonies or corruption-related offenses, are specifically excluded from this initiative.
The enlistment process is comprehensive, involving thorough reviews by penitentiary institutions, mandatory medical examinations, and formal court approvals. The mobilization of selected individuals falls under the jurisdiction of the Ukrainian Central Military District. It is crucial to note that enlisted personnel who engage in desertion will face severe penalties, including up to ten additional years of incarceration, alongside fulfilling their original sentences. During a 2024 interview, former justice minister Denys Malyuska informed the BBC that Ukraine’s goal is to recruit between 10,000 and 20,000 ex-prisoners into its armed forces.
