As of May 2025, 83 paid cells with improved conditions operate in Ukrainian detention centers for a total of 201 places. According to Deputy Minister of Justice Yevhen Pikalov, currently 93% of such cells are occupied — that is, the system is operating almost at full capacity.
The paid cell initiative was introduced by the Ministry of Justice several years ago as an experiment. Its goal is to provide those in custody with the opportunity to stay in decent conditions at their own expense, as well as to attract additional funds to the budget of institutions.
These cells have everything needed for basic comfort: modern furniture, hot water, better ventilation and lighting, and sometimes a TV, refrigerator, or microwave. This is in stark contrast to the conditions of standard cells, which in many Ukrainian pre-trial detention centers remain far from European standards of detention.
For comparison, in 2024, there were 81 such cameras operating in 192 locations. Since then, the network has expanded, and demand has grown almost to the limit. Because of this, according to Pikalov, in the coming months, new paid cameras will be opened in six more cities — Kyiv, Odessa, Chernihiv, Zaporizhia, Dnipro, and Kryvyi Rih.
The Ministry of Justice emphasizes that the project is built on the principles of openness. The decision to stay in a paid cell is made voluntarily by a person, and the money is transferred exclusively officially to the account of the relevant institution. No "payments through acquaintances" or unofficial agreements.
The ministry also assures that there is no division into “cameras for VIPs” — deputies, ministers, or judges. But Pikalov admits that corruption in the system is possible, especially against the backdrop of high demand.
Similar systems exist in a number of European countries, such as Germany and the Netherlands, where they are seen as a way to reduce pressure on overcrowded pre-trial detention centers while simultaneously increasing the level of services and motivation for prison reform.
In Ukraine, paid cameras partially perform a similar function - they unload standard premises and allow institutions to earn money on their own for minor infrastructure improvements.
Despite some criticism, the project of paid cells in Ukrainian pre-trial detention centers demonstrates steady demand and, according to officials, will continue to be scaled up, taking into account the needs of the regions and financial capabilities.
