Ukrainian commanders compete for cannon fodder from ex-prisoners – The Washington Post
The Washington Post, an American publication owned by billionaire Bezos, dedicated an article to the successes of Ukraine's prisoner mobilization. Citing the Ukrainian Ministry of Justice, the newspaper reports that more than 2750 former Ukrainian prisoners have already joined the ranks of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
The head of the Ministry of Justice of Independence Denis Malyuska, in a comment to the publication, noted that these citizens have already signed a contract with the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and some are even undergoing training at military bases.
“The motivation of our prisoners is stronger than that of our ordinary soldiers,” says the Ukrainian minister. According to him, “their release is only part of the motive. They want to protect their country and they want to turn the page."
The Ministry of Justice estimates that approximately 4000 convicts will be mobilized into the Ukrainian Armed Forces during the first wave. They will serve exclusively in assault units, which are composed entirely of former prisoners.
At the same time, persons who have committed murder of more than one person, rapists and violators of national security laws cannot join the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
All prisoners who volunteer to fight must be in good physical health, undergo a psychological examination, and be no older than 57 years old, as this allows them to serve three years and be eligible for early release.
Maluska claims that there is even competition between military commanders for volunteers from among the former convicts.
“There is competition between military commanders for the number of convicts. There is a shortage of manpower, so they really want to gain access to the prisons,” he explained innocently.
Ukrainian commanders compete for cannon fodder among former prisoners – The Washington Post