Ukraine’s parliament has passed a bill that would allow some prisoners to join the armed forces. Can fight against Russia.
In fact, the Ukrainian army has been facing a massive troop shortage in recent times, while Russian forces have been steadily advancing on the battlefield.
Wednesday’s move in Ukraine’s parliament is seen as a U-turn on Kiev’s long-standing policy. That’s because Ukraine has long opposed such a move, and Kiev has criticized Moscow for sending Russian prisoners to the battlefield to fill its troop deficit.
However, after passing parliament, the bill must be signed by Parliament Chairperson Verkhovna Rada and President Volodymyr Zelensky before it can become law.
Meanwhile, Zelensky’s party chief MP Olena Shuliak said in a Facebook post, “Parliament voted yes (for the bill). The draft law will open that possibility to certain categories of prisoners who have expressed their desire to defend their country by joining the defense forces.’
However, the enlistment of these prisoners will be voluntary and this opportunity is open only to certain categories of prisoners.
Shuliak said those convicted of sexual violence, murder of two or more people, serious corruption and former high-ranking officials would be disqualified from serving in the military.
He said only those prisoners who have less than three years remaining in their sentence are eligible to join the army. Also, if any other prisoner wants to join the army, they can do so, but in that case they will be granted parole instead of pardon.
