On Friday, May 17, the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, signed a bill that allows convicts to join the army on a voluntary basis. According to the document, this possibility applies to certain categories of convicts and prisoners in Ukraine who can sign a contract for service during martial law.
The law provides parole for those who agree to military service. However, not all convicts will have this opportunity, because the decision on their participation in the mobilization is made by the court.
According to the Ministry of Defense, mobilized prisoners will be assigned to special units. Joining the army also requires the conclusion of the military medical commission and the readiness of the commander to accept such persons for service.
But not all convicts will be suitable for this form of service. According to the list of crimes for which they cannot participate in mobilization, such categories as crimes against national security, intentional murder with particular cruelty and others are included.
As of May 15, 2024, according to the Ministry of Justice, there are 27,471 convicts in Ukrainian prisons, including 1,538 women. Information from a survey conducted in April showed that about 4,500 convicts are ready to join the army in exchange for early release.
Earlier, the head of the Ministry of Justice, Denys Malyuska, noted that Ukraine could potentially have 10,000 to 20,000 convicts who could be mobilized for contract service.
