Ukraine Mobilises Prisoners for War
The Ukrainian Parliament (Verkhovna Rada) passed a bill on May 8, in its second reading, allowing the mobilisation of prisoners convicted of minor crimes into the military.
On social media, Ukrainian lawmaker Alexei Goncharenko clarified that "those convicted of serious crimes such as premeditated murder, rape, sexual assault, or national security offenses will not be mobilized."
Yaroslav Zheleznyak, another Ukrainian MP, stated that the bill allows prisoners convicted of minor crimes to sign contracts with the Ukrainian Armed Forces. In exchange, they could be eligible for conditional release.
MP Elena Shulyak said the bill would allow prisoners to serve not only as soldiers but also as sergeants and officers.
Previously, Ukraine's Ministry of Justice proposed mobilising convicted murderers into the military and sending them to the front lines immediately.
A new law on the mobilisation of men in Ukraine will come into effect on May 18, sparking heated debate in Ukrainian society. The law requires all Ukrainian men between the ages of 18 and 60 to register for military service. This applies even to those living abroad - without military registration, they will be unable to access consular services, including renewing their identity documents.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
