Ukraine Addresses Soldier Shortage with Controversial Prisoner Volunteer Program.

In an effort to address the soldier shortage at the front, Ukraine has decided to allow certain prisoners to volunteer for military service. The decision was made by the parliament in Kiev, as reported by Ukrainian media. However, serious criminals like 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 response, Ukraine has implemented new laws that allow 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. In addition, Ukraine has taken steps to lower the conscription age and improve the registration of men liable for military service in order to address the shortage of soldiers.