Ukraine releases thousands of prisoners to fight against Russia

2024-07-01 21:51:17, Kosova & Bota CNA

Ukraine is easing mobilization conditions to deal with a shortage of soldiers on the battlefield as it marks more than two years since the country has been fighting Russian aggression. For the first time, the authorities are looking for recruits among the prisoners.

Although Ukraine has not released figures on the number of soldiers on the frontline, frontline commanders openly admit they are facing severe shortages of fighters as Russia continues to build up its presence in eastern Ukraine and gradually advance into the western front.

Over 3,000 prisoners have been released on parole so far and assigned to military units. This type of recruitment was approved by parliament as part of a controversial law last month, Ukrainian Deputy Justice Minister Olena Vysotska told the Associated Press news agency.

About 27,000 inmates may qualify to participate in the new program, according to Justice Ministry data.

" Prisoners are very motivated because they want to return home as heroes and not to return home from prison ," says Mrs. Vysotska.

Under this program, inmates can be released on parole after they have been interviewed, have undergone a medical check-up and have undergone a sentencing review process. Those who have been convicted of rape, sexual violence, murder of two or more persons, or have committed crimes against the national security of Ukraine, will not be eligible.

Ukrainian officials want to distinguish their program from recruiting prisoners, as Russia does, to serve in the notorious Wagner mercenary group. Those fighters are usually sent to the bloodiest battles, according to officials, but the Ukrainian program aims to integrate the prisoners into regular Ukrainian units on the front lines.

Ukraine's prison population numbers 42,000 inmates, according to European Union figures provided by the Ukrainian government.

Although recent reforms have reduced the number of prisoners and improved conditions in some prisons, the US State Department in its annual human rights report cited reliable sources that prison authorities use "degrading treatment and punishment."

After a screening process, parolees are sent to training camps where they are taught how to use weapons and undergo basic combat training./ VOA