Troops exhausted

There could soon be criminals in the Ukrainian army

In Ukraine, convicted criminals may soon be allowed to serve in the military. Parliament approved a bill to this effect on Wednesday. Prisoners convicted of sexual violence, murder and crimes against humanity or national security are exempt.

It is envisaged that parole will be considered if the prisoners agree to join the army. It is not clear how many people would ultimately be eligible to join in this way. A parliamentary committee is now to deal with the bill first. Changes are still likely here.

After two years of war in Ukraine, the troops are exhausted. On the one hand, far fewer volunteers are signing up to fight, and on the other, there are many conscientious objectors.

Model Russia?
The Russian military is already focusing on criminals, luring them to the front with the prospect of amnesties, among other things. These include the elimination of investigations and criminal records. The Wagner Group had already recruited massively from prisons in 2022.

Certain criminals, such as those convicted of terrorism and "offenses against the sexual sanctity of minors", are also to be excluded.