The Ministry of Justice told how many convicts in Ukraine can join the army
7 May 14:59
The Ministry of Justice said that from 20% to 30% of the total number of convicts in Ukraine can join the Armed Forces.
Deputy Minister of Justice of Ukraine Yevhen Pikalov said this in an interview with Ukrinform, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports.
According to Pikalov, more than 8300 convicts have joined the Ukrainian army so far, and another 1000 applications are under consideration. In particular, 100 women have mobilized.
“Speaking about the potential of this initiative, we estimate that about 20-30% of the total number of convicts in Ukraine can take advantage of this opportunity and defend the state,” he said.
Pikalov emphasized that in the context of Russian aggression, this initiative will become an important reserve for strengthening Ukraine’s defense capabilities. He noted that this process is seen not only as a way to increase the army, but also as “a mechanism of re-socialization through the highest manifestation of civic responsibility.”
The total number of convicts and people in custody in Ukraine is 37 thousand. At the same time, Pikalov noted that not all convicts and prisoners meet the necessary criteria for health reasons or the articles under which they are serving their sentences in places of detention.
“For example, they cannot (join the Armed Forces) for terrorism, corruption, sex crimes, crimes against the foundations of national security. According to statistics, 57% are convicted of property crimes, 11% are convicted of drug trafficking,” the deputy minister added.
What is known about the mobilization ofprisoners
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a law on the mobilization of convicts on May 17, 2024. The document proposes to allow those who have been sentenced to restriction or imprisonment under minor articles to be involved in military service.
Those convicted of premeditated murder, rape, sexual violence, and crimes against national security cannot be mobilized. Nor will those convicted of corruption be allowed to commute their sentence to the possibility of fighting.
