Ukraine counters troop shortages by drafting prisoners into military ranks

On Wednesday, May 8, the Ukrainian parliament passed a law enabling the release of certain prisoners and offering them the opportunity to serve in the military. Kyiv's move follows a similar strategy used by Moscow, where prisoners have been recruited into military ranks. Ukraine's Minister of Justice, Denys Maluśka, sees potential in this approach, suggesting that it could lead to as many as 20,000 individuals joining the front lines.

Amid the ongoing war in Ukraine, which has lasted over two years, the authorities are grappling with various shortages. Fortunately, the issue of ammunition and equipment shortages has been mitigated for now, thanks to American support. After months of deliberation, the U.S. agreed to assist Kyiv by providing almost $61 billion at the end of April.

The prolonged military conflict has taken its toll, resulting in exhausted and fallen soldiers. In response, the Ukrainian government has taken a decisive step. On May 8, the Supreme Council of Ukraine (the national parliament) approved a law that permits the mobilization of convicts.

Could 20,000 prisoners soon be added to the army's ranks? Kyiv explores this possibility. On Wednesday, the Supreme Council of Ukraine passed legislation enabling the release of specific prisoner categories for military service under contract during mobilization and wartime, according to a post by Belsat television on the X platform.

Denys Maluśka, the Ukrainian Minister of Justice and one of the proposal's key advocates, stipulates that amnesties will not extend to those convicted of severe crimes such as pedophilia, murder, corruption, or offenses against Ukraine's security, reports "Ukrainska Pravda".

"The potential number of inmates eligible for wartime mobilization is between 10-20 thousand. It's noteworthy, especially given our country's issue with overcrowded prisons," states Denys Maluśka.

Contrarily, Maluśka does support the idea of deploying individuals convicted of murder to the front lines, under the condition that the individual has taken two or more lives.

"Why else does one go to war if not to kill? This is particularly relevant for those sentenced to life imprisonment, often for crimes committed at a young age, around 18-19, when the brain and psyche are still developing. After decades in prison, their psychological profile markedly differs from that of their younger selves. Any psychologist would affirm this," contends the Justice Minister.

The concept of enlisting prisoners for warfare is not novel. According to "Ukrainska Pravda," Moscow has been incorporating its prisoners into the war effort for around a year and a half, dispatching convicts from prisons and penal colonies across Russia to fight in Ukraine. Initially, prisoners were trained and deployed by the Wagner Group before the army adopted this strategy, leading to the formation of the notorious "Storm-Z" units.