Ukraine has started recruiting prisoners to join the fight against Russia. Inmates are offered parole in exchange for military service.
At a southeast Ukraine penal colony, inmates listened to an army recruiter offering a chance to start anew by defending their country. More than 3,000 prisoners have already been released under this program, with up to 27,000 potentially eligible, excluding those convicted of serious crimes like sexual assault or multiple murders.
Deputy Justice Minister Olena Vysotska explained that many inmates see this as an opportunity to return home as heroes rather than prisoners. After screening, inmates receive basic combat training before joining military units.
Ukraine’s program aims to properly integrate prisoners into regular units, contrasting with Russia’s approach of sending prisoners into the most dangerous combat roles with minimal support.
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