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In a move to support Ukraine’s defense capabilities, President Volodymyr Zelensky has enacted a law enabling certain inmates to enlist in the Armed Forces.
Following the prior week’s legislative approval, Ukraine has opened the door for the voluntary enlistment of inmates.
The list of convicts eligible for military service does not encompass individuals guilty of intentional homicide, sexual offenses, drug crimes, or offenses against the country’s security.
Based on input from the anti-corruption parliamentary committee, the legislation will also prevent the mobilization of imprisoned lawmakers and high-ranking officials convicted of corruption, as stated by lawmaker Yaroslav Zhelezniak.
The approved legislation, however, does include the possibility for individuals convicted of non-premeditated manslaughter, with an exception for those found culpable while intoxicated.
This bill was first introduced in March as a strategic effort by Ukraine to boost its military personnel during the ongoing conflict with Russia.
According to Justice Minister Denys Maliuska, Ukraine has the potential to supplement its military with up to 20,000 inmates, which could also alleviate prison overcrowding.
Further legal amendments were made recently, aimed at bolstering Ukraine’s mobilization capabilities in 2024. On April 16, President Zelensky sanctioned a new law on mobilization that incorporates penalties for draft evasion.
An additional legislative change decreased the mandatory military service age from 27 to 25, calling up men for the draft upon reaching the age of 25.
Ban removed on conscription exemptions for employees at Glovo, Favbet Tech
The Ukrainian government revoked a six-month conscription exemption previously granted to employees of companies such as Favbet, Glovo, and the American-owned Visa last month.
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FAQs about Convicts Joining the Ukrainian Military
Can any convict join the Ukrainian military under the new law?
No, there are restrictions. Convicts guilty of premeditated murder, sexual crimes, drug trafficking, or crimes against national security are excluded.
Who else is excluded from military service under this law?
Imprisoned lawmakers and high-ranking officials convicted of corruption are also excluded from being drafted.
What is the potential number of convicts that could join the military?
Up to 20,000 convicts could be eligible to join the Ukrainian military.
Has the minimum age for compulsory military service changed?
Yes, the minimum age has been decreased from 27 to 25 years old.
Are there any exemptions from military conscription?
Previously, there were exemptions for certain company employees, but those have been recently revoked.
Conclusion
The enactment of this legislation by President Zelensky marks a significant development in Ukraine’s strategy to strengthen its military forces. By allowing certain convicts to enlist voluntarily, Ukraine is not only bolstering its defense capabilities but is also addressing issues such as prison overcrowding. With meticulous exclusions, the law ensures that only select convicts can serve, maintaining a balance between urgent national security needs and safeguarding societal integrity. As the nation stands firm in its ongoing conflict with Russia, such measures reflect Ukraine’s innovative and determined approach to national defense and rehabilitation.
Note: We at TheUBJ provide rewritten news content drawn from various sources online via AI news feed technology without claiming ownership. For reference to the original post, please follow the link provided: https://kyivindependent.com/zelensky-signs-law-allowing-some-convicts-to-serve-in-military/.