Ukraine will recruit soldiers in the country’s prisons

Ukraine is following Russia’s lead and opening the door to release convicts from the country’s prisons in exchange for them enlisting as soldiers.

Ukraine is following Russia’s lead and opening the door to release convicts from the country’s prisons in exchange for them enlisting as soldiers.

The Ukrainian army is struggling to recruit enough soldiers. An estimated 650,000 men of fighting age have left the country, and others are lying low in the hope of avoiding mobilization.

On Wednesday, a majority in Ukraine’s National Assembly voted for a change in the law that allows certain groups of convicts to avoid serving time if they allow themselves to be enlisted.

Applies to selected groups

– The National Assembly has voted for the voluntary mobilization of prisoners, says the leader of President Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s party, Olena Sjuliak.

– The law allows certain categories of prisoners who want to defend their country to be allowed to join the defense forces, she says.

The offer only applies to those who have less than three years left to serve, and inmates who have been convicted of sexual abuse.

Murder of more than two people or serious corruption are not covered by the new law.

Has criticized Russia for the same

Neither do high-ranking officials or politicians serving sentences, according to Sjuljak.

The new law will enter into force as soon as it is signed by the President of the Ukrainian National Assembly, as well as by Zelensky.

Ukrainian authorities have previously criticized Russia for granting amnesty to convicts sent to the front in Ukraine.

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