The personnel problems within the Ukrainian armed forces are apparently dramatic: Volodymyr Zelensky’s (47) government is stepping up the deployment of previously imprisoned criminals on the front lines.

According to official figures, up to 11,000 convicted criminals could serve in the army in the future.

This is an unusual but strategically motivated move in the midst of a deep mobilization crisis: Ukraine has suffered heavy losses since the start of Russia’s war of aggression. Reports of declining volunteer numbers, an extremely high number of deserters, and growing recruitment gaps are putting increasing pressure on the leadership in Kyiv.

Against this backdrop, President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a law in May 2024 allowing prisoners to volunteer for military service, subject to clear conditions.

Already 8,300 prisoners serving in the army

As Deputy Justice Minister Yevhen Pikalov told the state news agency Ukrinform, more than 8,300 prisoners have already joined the Ukrainian army. Another 1,000 applications are currently being processed. The Ministry of Defense emphasizes that participation in the program is strictly regulated.

Strict criteria for frontline service

There is no automatic transfer from prison to the front line. Those who wish to serve must, among other things:

• submit a medical certificate of fitness,
• obtain judicial approval for early release,
• and obtain the consent of military commanders.

Violent criminals and individuals who have committed particularly serious crimes are also generally excluded from the program. According to Pikalov, 100 women have also volunteered for military service from prison.

Up to 30 percent of prisoners could be eligible

There are currently 37,000 people in Ukrainian prisons. According to estimates, between 20 and 30 percent of these people—that is, about 7,400 to 11,100 individuals—could theoretically be integrated into the armed forces. The government sees this step not only as a response to the shortage of personnel, but also as an opportunity for rehabilitation.

The use of prisoners in war remains controversial internationally. The Russian government has been sharply criticized for this in the past.

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APA