Ukrainian Prisoners Considered for Military Service
Kyiv Proposes Sending One-third of Prisoners to the High Court
Ukrainian authorities are mulling over the idea of enlisting a significant portion of prisoners into the Ukrainian Armed Forces (AFU). This revelation was made by Deputy Minister of Justice Yevgeny Pikalov.
Last year, President Volodymyr Zelensky green-lit the mobilization of prisoners from penitentiaries. Since then, over 8,300 prisoners, with 100 being women, have joined the AFU.
Pikalov stated, "We foresee that around 20-30% of the total number of prisoners in Ukraine might seize this chance and defend the nation." With around 37,000 prisoners in Ukraine, this could potentially mean around 7,400 to 11,100 individuals.
However, not all prisoners are eligible for this opportunity. Those convicted of serious crimes like terrorism, corruption, sexual abuses, or crimes against national security are excluded.
Kyiv, Zoya Oskolkova
© 2025, RIA "Novy Day"
Insights:
- Eligibility Criteria: Ukrainian prisoners can join the Ukrainian Armed Forces under certain conditions. Those convicted of terrorism, corruption, sexual crimes, or crimes against national security are excluded. Additionally, individuals convicted of premeditated murder, sexual violence, drug trafficking and production are barred. However, those guilty of involuntary manslaughter, with the exception of cases involving intoxication, are allowed to participate.
- Legal Framework: President Volodymyr Zelensky signed legislation in 2024 and 2025 that legally formalized this initiative. The Ukrainian Parliament passed a bill allowing some prisoners to serve in the military, which needed the President's signature to come into effect. Participation in the military is voluntary, and additional steps such as medical clearance and court approval are required.
- Ongoing Efforts: Over 8,300 prisoners have joined the military, with another 1,000 applications under review. The aim of this initiative is not only to strengthen the military ranks, but also to provide a path towards rehabilitation through national service.
- Ukrainian authorities are planning to increase the percentage of prisoners participating in the military, with estimates suggesting around 20-30% of the current prison population might enlist.
- Deputy Minister of Justice Yevgeny Pikalov stated that, out of the approximately 37,000 prisoners in Ukraine, this could potentially mean around 7,400 to 11,100 individuals joining the Ukrainian Armed Forces (AFU).
- However, it's important to note that not all prisoners are eligible for this opportunity. Those convicted of serious crimes such as terrorism, corruption, sexual abuses, or crimes against national security are excluded.
- President Volodymyr Zelensky approved the mobilization of prisoners for military service in 2025, following legislation passed in 2024 and 2025. The initiative aims to strengthen the military ranks, as well as provide a path toward rehabilitation through national service.
