Ukraine enlists prisoners as soldiers amidst volunteer shortage

Ukrainians are filling gaps in the ranks of their army. In Kyiv, a decision has been made to release nearly 4,000 prisoners. Their sentences will be forgotten in the case of indefinite national defence. Rapists and serial killers are excluded. The first convicts have just arrived in the Zaporizhzhia region, where they are being trained by experienced military personnel.

British "The Guardian" reports on a new programme addressing the shortages in the Ukrainian armed forces. There is a significant problem with new volunteers in Kyiv. In May, a law allowing convicts to volunteer for the military was passed. In Russia, such a system has existed since at least 2022. According to media reports, up to 100,000 prisoners have joined.

Rapists and serial killers are excluded. Those who have committed crimes against state security will not be eligible for release. The newspaper, citing the Ukrainian Ministry of Justice, reports that 5,900 people signed up, but some were rejected for health reasons.

According to "The Guardian," 3,800 prisoners have already been released. Fifty-eight of them went to the Zaporizhzhia region, about 19 kilometres from the frontline, where they are learning basic infantry skills, including handling weapons and recognising mines. They have been provided with uniforms, boots, and rifles.

People immediately started treating me with respect. The warmth was incredible. When you are in prison, you are nobody. Now I am a human being again, says Volodymyr Prysiazhniuk, quoted by "The Guardian." The man spent 8 years in prison for a murder he committed at the age of 12.

The British portal reports that the sentences of the convicts will be erased after a year, but they must fight indefinitely. They are not entitled to the twice-yearly 15-day leave period granted to regular soldiers. As a reward for good behaviour, they will be able to meet their families. In case of desertion, they can receive an additional 5 to 10 years in prison.

I am proud of myself. I feel a new confidence, "The Guardian" quotes Vladyslav Vasiliev, who was sentenced to 5 years in prison for theft. He left prison after 3 years. "Russia wants to destroy us completely. It's genocide. We must oppose them. Everyone understands that you can live today and be dead tomorrow. If everyone does something to liberate our country, it will be easier," he adds.

A former firefighter, Yevhenii Kostohryz, convicted of drug offences, has also joined the military. "Some of us have military experience, others none. I want to defend my home and family," he said.

According to Denis Kravchenko, who conducts training for Ukrainian convicts, the problem of a lack of recruits could be mitigated by significant raises. Currently, a soldier's salary in Ukraine is £410 per month, and £2,050 when serving on the frontline.