Ukraine recruits thousands of prisoners to fight in war, as military commanders compete for them – WP
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More than 2,750 prisoners have been released in Ukraine to fight in the war, The Washington Post reported on June 16.
Justice Minister Denys Maliuska predicts that at
least 4,000 convicted men will agree to join the army during the first stage of
recruitment, the newspaper writes. They will serve only in assault units
consisting entirely of former prisoners.
“There is a competition between military commanders to hire
from prisons,” the official said.
“There is a lack of manpower, so they really want to get
access.”
Those who have killed more than one person, committed acts
of sexual violence, or violated national security laws are not eligible to
participate in combat operations, WP noted.
In addition, prisoners who want to fight must be physically
healthy, undergo a psychological examination and be no older than 57, which
will allow them to serve at least three years before reaching the age of 60,
which gives them the right to be released.
Conscription of prisoners in Ukraine
Deputy Minister of Justice Olena Vysotska said in May that
4,500 convicts had agreed to be released on parole by signing a contract for
military service.
The Ukrainian parliament passed on May 8 in the second
reading bill No. 11079-1, which allows certain categories of prisoners to be
conscripted into the ranks of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. They can do so only
after a court decision and voluntarily. Those convicted of grievous
premeditated murder, rape, sexual violence, crimes against national security,
etc. cannot be conscripted.
The Servant of the People party clarified that convicted
corrupt officials and people who held particularly responsible positions,
including MPs and ministers, will not be able to join the Ukrainian Armed
Forces.
Prisoners who could potentially be conscripted should have
no more than three years left in their sentence.
According to the head of the Servant of the People faction, David Arakhamia, the potential mobilization resource among prisoners in Ukraine is 15,000-20,000 people, but only a few thousand will actually sign contracts.
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