More than 12,000 former prisoners have joined the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

In Ukraine, more than 12,000 former prisoners have already joined the Ukrainian Armed Forces under a special mechanism in effect since 2024.

Deputy Minister of Justice Evgeny Pikalov reported this.

This is a program that allows certain categories of convicts to voluntarily enlist in the military in exchange for exemption from their sentence. According to Pikalov, the army recruits only volunteers who undergo a rigorous selection process.

Approximately 1,500 applications are reviewed monthly, and the average age of applicants is 30–35 years. Preferably, individuals convicted of minor crimes are eligible to participate. However, those convicted of serious violent crimes or crimes against national security are not eligible.

Before enlistment, candidates undergo medical, psychological, and physical examinations, after which they sign a contract, undergo training, and are assigned to units.

The length of service corresponds to the unserved portion of the sentence. In the event of injury or after the end of martial law, military personnel are released from further sentence.

Former prisoners receive the same pay as other military personnel and can maintain contact with their families, but are under increased surveillance and are not allowed to leave the combat zone.

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