A draft law authorizing the mobilization of convicts and prisoners may be registered in the Verkhovna Rada (Parliament – ed.) as early as next week.

Denys Maliuska, Minister of Justice of Ukraine, stated this on the air of the telethon.

However, it will not apply to all categories of people with a criminal record and those still serving their sentences.

“I think that next week it (the draft law – ed.) will be registered, and at the next Parliament session, it will be voted on in the first reading and the second reading as well. I expect this to happen in the spring, no later,” the official said.

The Minister also noted that there are thousands of prisoners and convicts who are ready to join the military and become full members of the Defense Forces.

“The military asked us to exclude from possible mobilization those who violated military discipline and committed crimes while performing their military duty. They also do not want to see those who committed crimes against the state. Therefore, such categories will probably not be subject to mobilization,” Maliuska emphasized.

He also added that he does not expect the parliamentary consideration of this draft law to be delayed, as he said he has not met a single MP who would be against it.

“Not all military commanders are ready to take convicts and prisoners, but we will not and do not plan to impose such mobilized people on anyone. Most likely, these will be separate units,” the official explained.

In February, the Justice Minister pointed out that thousands of Ukrainian citizens with criminal records had expressed a desire to join the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Those who have expressed a desire to defend the state also include those serving life sentences.

In addition, according to Maliuska, at least 50,000 people are not registered with the conscription centers due to their expunged criminal record.

However, to mobilize people with a criminal record and those still serving their sentences, changes in legislation are needed.