In view of the shortage of soldiers, Ukraine will allow prisoners to do voluntary military service in the future. The parliament in Kiev decided this on Wednesday, as Ukrainian media reported.
However, convicted serious criminals such as murderers and rapists are not allowed to report, nor are drug dealers or prisoners who are in prison for serious cases of corruption.
Former high-ranking state officials are excluded
Former MPs, ministers and high-ranking state officials as well as prisoners convicted of crimes against national security are also excluded.
In the first months of its war of aggression against Ukraine, Russia had mobilized tens of thousands of prisoners and released their sentences, including murderers and sex offenders. There have been several high-profile cases of such men committing violent crimes again after being released from military service.
Military service should not end at the end of the sentence
According to the new law in Ukraine, prisoners can enlist in the army if their remaining sentence does not exceed three years. They should serve in separate units under guard, explained MP Olena Schuljak. Military service does not end at the end of the sentence, but at the end of the contract or a general demobilization.
Ukraine is trying to remedy the shortage of soldiers at the front with several laws. The conscription age was lowered and the registration of men liable for military service was improved.