As of early April, more than 8,000 former convicts have filled the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and about 900 applications are under consideration. This was reported by the Head of the Department of Penalty of the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine Yevhen Gorobets, Ukrinform reports.
In May 2024, the Verkhovna Rada adopted a law that introduced the institute of parole of convicts for their participation in the defense of the country. The first groups of volunteers from the exempted penitentiary institutions were included in the combat units in August of that year.
According to Sparrow, most of the parole released fighters joined the elite military formations, in particular: to:
- 1st separate assault battalion named after Dmitry Kotsubayl "da Vinci";
- 225th separate assault regiment;
- 92nd separate assault brigade;
- 93rd Mechanized Brigade "Cold Yar";
- 95th separate landing brigade;
- The third assault team and other units of the Security and Defense Forces of Ukraine.
The Ministry of Justice is working closely with the command of the units where the former convicts serve to ensure the effective training of recruits. It is important not only to teach them military affairs, but also to adapt to a new way of life and combat.
"We learn what skills and specializations are most in demand on the front, as well as how long the preparation of our parole is prepared. It is necessary for each of them to make a conscious decision to join the Armed Forces," the Sparrow explained.
Deputy Commander of the 1st OSHB them. Dmitry Kulik emphasized that ex-lounas are not just good, but extremely heroically. "Their motivation goes off. Apparently, we have seen one only in the first months of a full -scale invasion. We really protect the 'special contingent', as well as all our fighters without exception," he said.
Many former prisoners have already received state and departmental awards for combat feats. The war gave them a chance to start a new life and prove their dedication to the country.
