Inmates To Infantry: Ukrainian Convicts Answer Kyiv's Call To Arms

A paroled Ukrainian convict is seen in training at an undisclosed location in central Ukraine in July.

As Europe's biggest land war since World War II rages on, members of Ukraine's 1st "Da Vinci" Assault Battalion are preparing ex-prisoners for battle against Russian forces.

 

To be eligible for military service, prisoners must pass an interview, a medical exam, and a review of their convictions.
 

"No one will send you like lambs to the slaughter. We care about our people," the unit commander tells recently released prison recruits as they arrive for military training.
 

More than two years after Russia’s full-scale invasion, Ukraine is struggling with a manpower shortage.

First-aid techniques are demonstrated on a recruit who was convicted of manslaughter.

Over 3,000 prisoners have been paroled and assigned to military units after their recruitment was approved by parliament in a controversial mobilization bill.

Thousands more could potentially qualify for the new program.

Paroled convicts are taught how to disassemble and assemble a Kalashnikov rifle.

People guilty of rape, sexual assault, the murders of two or more people, or crimes against Ukraine’s national security are barred from serving.



 

Before being sent to the front line, the former inmates must compete a challenging five-week combat course.

They also train in urban combat.

For those who attempt to escape, an additional eight to 10 years will be added to their sentences.
 

The paroled convicts must also remain with their units for the first 12 months of military service.

 

"I was a heavy drinker who borrowed a lot of money. Now, I regret it very much," says a recruit with the call sign "Ian," who was imprisoned for causing bodily harm.

The former inmates, seen here in the canteen, receive equal treatment to regular soldiers, including a paid salary and scheduled time off. They are also permitted unsupervised movement within the training center.

The new recruits take a swim on a Sunday, their only day for rest and recreation.

Ukrainian officials have emphasized that, unlike Russia's recruitment of convicts for the notorious Wagner mercenary group, where they were thrust into the deadliest battles, Ukraine's program aims to integrate convicts into regular frontline units.