Ukraine Adopts Controversial Measure to Recruit Prisoners for Military Service
In response to a severe manpower shortage, Ukraine's parliament has passed a bill allowing certain prisoners to join the military, a strategy previously criticized when employed by Russia.
- The legislation, still pending approval from President Zelensky, targets prisoners with less than three years left on their sentences.
- Voluntary recruitment excludes individuals convicted of serious crimes such as sexual violence and murder.
- Approximately 15,000 to 20,000 prisoners could be enlisted under the new law, aiming to bolster Ukraine's defenses against Russian advances.
- Critics argue the policy could lead to abuses and compare it unfavorably with similar Russian practices, which have been widely condemned.
- The move marks a significant policy shift for Ukraine, which had previously denounced the recruitment of prisoners in wartime.
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