Up to 30% of convicted individuals may join the Armed Forces of Ukraine, - Ministry of Justice

Up to 30% of convicted individuals may join the Armed Forces of Ukraine, - Ministry of Justice

From 20% to 30% of the total number of convicted individuals in Ukraine might be recruited into the Armed Forces.

This was stated by the Deputy Minister of Justice of Ukraine, Yevhen Pikalov, in an interview with Ukrinform.

How many convicts are already in the Armed Forces

"Today, over 8,300 convicts have joined the Armed Forces, and another 1,000 applications are under consideration. We have also mobilized 100 women. If we talk about the potential of this initiative, according to our forecasts, about 20-30% of the total number of convicts in Ukraine might take advantage of this opportunity and stand in defence of the state," he noted.

Pikalov also emphasized that under the conditions of ongoing Russian aggression, this would become an important reserve to strengthen Ukraine’s defence capabilities.

"We see this process not only as a way to replenish the ranks of defenders but also as a mechanism for resocialization through the highest manifestation of civic responsibility. The Ministry of Justice and the State Criminal-Executive Service keep this issue under constant control, ensuring transparency and objectivity in the consideration of each application," he added.

The Deputy Minister of Justice also stated that the total number of convicts and those in custody in Ukraine is 37,000.

At the same time, according to him, not all convicts and detainees meet the necessary criteria related to health status or the articles under which they are serving sentences in correctional facilities.

"For example, those convicted of terrorism, corruption, sexual crimes, as well as crimes against the fundamentals of national security, cannot (be recruited into the Armed Forces - ed.). According to statistics, 57% are convicted of property crimes, 11% are related to illegal drug trafficking," Pikalov emphasized.

Mobilization of convicts

Let us remind you that on May 17, 2024, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed law No. 11079-1, which allows certain categories of prisoners to be mobilized into the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Only citizens who were previously imprisoned for minor offenses will be able to conditionally-early release from punishment.