AS A CONDITION OF PAROLE, THOUSANDS OF UKRAINIAN PRISONERS APPLY TO JOIN THE ARMY

Sat 01 June 2024:

Ukraine has begun recruiting prisoners to bolster its infantry ranks against Russia, with over four thousand inmates applying so far. Under a new government deal, prisoners can have their sentences cleared if they serve in the army until the war ends, at which point they would be granted parole.

“My mother was in hysterics … I’ve been here for five years – a year left and I’m going off to war,” said Mykola Rybalka, one of 129 prisoners from his colony who have signed up.

Ukraine faces a manpower shortage, particularly in frontline positions. Recently signed legislation aims to mobilize several hundred thousand more soldiers, though it will take months to deploy significant numbers.

Justice Minister Denys Maliuska noted that military commanders are eager to recruit prisoners due to the lack of manpower. Recruiters from Ukraine’s 3rd and 5th Assault Brigades reported high motivation among the prisoners.

Prisoners will serve in separate units under close supervision, with little chance of desertion due to the danger of Russian fire. Some offenses, such as murder and sexual crimes, bar prisoners from serving.

So far, 4,564 prisoners have applied, with more than 1,700 approved. Maliuska expects 10,000 to 20,000 inmates to sign up in total, with most applicants ready to serve in about two months. The process for approval is swift, taking about 10 minutes per case.

The initiative follows Russia’s earlier recruitment of prisoners through the Wagner mercenary group. Ukraine’s move to recruit prisoners underscores the severe personnel challenges it faces in its ongoing conflict with Russia.

SOURCE: INDEPENDENT PRESS AND NEWS AGENCIES

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