Controversial Move: Allowing Prisoners to Volunteer for Military Service in Ukraine’s Fight Against Russian Aggression.

In response to a severe shortage of soldiers, Ukraine has made the controversial decision to allow prisoners to volunteer for military service. The move was approved by the parliament in Kiev and reported on by Ukrainian media. However, certain criminals, including murderers, rapists, drug dealers, and those convicted of corruption or crimes against national security, are not eligible to enlist.

During Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, tens of thousands of prisoners were mobilized and released from their sentences to serve in the military. Some of these released prisoners went on to commit violent crimes again. In an effort to address the soldier shortage at the front, Ukraine has implemented new laws that include allowing prisoners with sentences of up to three years to volunteer for military service.

MP Olena Schuljak explained that prisoners who volunteer for military service will serve in separate units under guard. Their service will not end at the completion of their sentence but rather at the end of their contract or a general demobilization. To address the shortage of soldiers more fully, Ukraine has also taken steps to lower the conscription age and improve the registration of men liable for military service.