Justice Minister Denys Maliuska announced on a national TV broadcast on May 27 that released convicts will be organized into distinct units within the Ukrainian military framework.
A legislative bill that was greenlit by Ukraine’s parliament on May 8 allows individuals convicted of various offenses to enlist in the Armed Forces, thus providing a channel for the voluntary mobilization of inmates. The bill received official approval from President Volodymyr Zelensky when he signed it into law on May 17.
Earlier in May, Maliuska suggested that this initiative could potentially bolster the military with up to 20,000 convicts, offering the additional benefit of reducing the congestion within Ukrainian prisons.
According to plans, these new military units composed of ex-convicts will be dedicated to conducting assault operations separately from the regular military forces, as per Maliuska’s declaration.
Furthermore, Maliuska indicated that based on their effectiveness in combat, there might be consideration for integrating the aforementioned convicts with regular troops in the time ahead.
As per Maliuska’s statement on May 27, at least 613 incarcerated individuals had been liberated under the auspices of the new draft legislation. These individuals are presently engaged in a training regimen expected to last “at least a couple of months.”
The judicial system has been presented with over 4,300 enlistment applications as of now, and it is in the process of reviewing the majority of these applications, as stated by the Justice Ministry.
Post-release, these individuals will fall under the oversight of the specific military units they join. They are mandated to remain within their assigned units unless granted express permission to leave by their command.
The enforced regulations stipulate that those eligible for service do not include individuals convicted for intentional homicide, sexual offenses, drug trafficking and production, or transgressions against state security. In addition, based on recommendations by the anti-corruption parliamentary committee, the policy will not apply to legislators and high-ranking officials convicted of corruption.
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FAQ Section
What has Ukraine’s parliament passed regarding convict mobilization?
Ukraine’s parliament has passed a bill allowing convicts to voluntarily mobilize and serve in the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
Did President Volodymyr Zelensky sign the convict mobilization bill?
Yes, President Volodymyr Zelensky signed the bill into law on May 17.
What types of military units will the convicts serve in?
The convicts will serve in specialized units dedicated to assault operations, separate from the regular military personnel.
How many convicts are expected to join the Ukrainian military?
Justice Minister Denys Maliuska indicated that as many as 20,000 convicts could potentially join the Ukrainian military under this initiative.
What are the restrictions on convicts joining the Ukrainian armed forces?
Convicts with convictions related to premeditated murder, sexual violence, drug trafficking, and crimes against national security, as well as lawmakers and top officials convicted for corruption, are excluded from the draft.