Here is the play from Ukraine Attorney General.
Denys Maliuska wants to recruit prisoners to the military who “know how to kill”.
– The prisoners have shown an interest in defending their country, he tells Politico.
Ukrainian law currently does not allow the recruitment of prisoners. But at the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, the Ukrainian government pardoned more than 300 prisoners who wanted to join the military.
– I would say that it was more or less successful. Some of the convicts have become heroes and received medals, Ukraine’s Minister of Justice Denys Maliuska tells Politico.
Wants to recruit prisoners who know how to kill
In the Ukrainian parliament, there are 14 members who propose that the country should start recruiting criminals into the army. Denys Maliuska said in a televised speech last week that he sees nothing wrong with using prisoners who “know how to kill”.
– Everyone understands that we can use prisoners. And the prisoners have shown an interest in defending their country, he told Politico.
“Will not force anyone”
Ukrainian lawmakers still have to work through rules to control the prisoners. It is also unclear whether those who serve time would have their sentences reduced. Maliuska also says that only inmates who have served most of their time and are not considered a danger to the public will be allowed to report.
– Not all military commanders are ready to accept prisoners. But we will not force these people on anyone. Most likely, these will be separate units, says Maliuska.
Need to recruit half a million new recruits
In order to replace losses and be able to rotate its personnel, Ukraine must recruit half a million new recruits. The Ukrainian parliament has previously considered lowering the conscription age from 27 to 25. However, this is described as somewhat controversial in politics.
– The military asked us to exclude those who violated military discipline as well as those who committed crimes while performing military service. Nor do they want those who have committed crimes against the state, says Denys Maliuska.