Minister of Justice of Ukraine Denys Malyuska told the Financial Times that the first prisoners who were mobilized into the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) are expected to be at the front by the end of the summer.
These individuals are currently undergoing military training, which will last at least two months.
Several prisoners told the publication that they are ready to mobilize because they want freedom and redemption. Others were motivated by a higher salary that could allow them to support their families while fulfilling a patriotic duty.
Malyuska said that the initial campaign to recruit convicts is expected to yield about 5,000 new recruits, and "under the most favorable circumstances" their number could triple.
Meanwhile, the 24th OMBr announces the formation of the "Characteristics" battalion in its composition, in which former prisoners will serve. They have already taken a military oath and proclaimed the "prayer of a Ukrainian nationalist"
"Among them there are many patriots who have repeatedly expressed their desire to defend the Motherland. There are many people with combat experience. In the near future, "Characteristics" will begin to perform combat tasks and will show themselves on the battlefield," the brigade said in a statement.
