As of the beginning of April, more than 8,000 former prisoners – both men and women – have joined the ranks of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

The Ukrinform news agency reported on this, citing Yevhen Horobets, head of the Department of Punishment Enforcement at the Ministry of Justice.

He reminded that after adopting a law in May 2024, which introduced the institution of early conditional release for prisoners to participate in the country’s defense, the first groups of volunteers from correctional institutions joined combat units as early as August 2024.

The majority of the conditionally released fighters joined the 108th Da Vinci Wolves Separate Mechanized Battalion named after Dmytro Kotsiubailo, the 225th Assault Regiment, the 92nd Assault Brigade, 93rd Kholodnyi Yar Separate Mechanized Brigade, the 95th Air Assault Brigade, the 3rd Assault Brigade, and other units of the Ukrainian Defense Forces.

It should be noted that not all brigades create separate battalions or companies for former prisoners but instead integrate them into existing units, as, for example, the 3rd Assault Brigade does.

For reference, in the military, separate units composed of former prisoners are commonly referred to as Shkval.

As Horobets mentioned, “This program gives people a second chance – the opportunity not just to atone for their guilt, but also to prove their loyalty to Ukraine on the front line, where every defender is needed.”

Dmytro Kulyk, Deputy commander of the 108th Da Vinci Wolves Separate Mechanized Battalion named after Dmytro Kotsiubailo, emphasized that former prisoners not only fight well but also show remarkable courage.

He also noted that the motivation of soldiers who had previously served sentences is extremely high.

The Department of Punishment Enforcement emphasized that the role of penitentiary facility administrations is crucial: “This includes organizing initial medical examinations, accompanying volunteers from among the prisoners during the military-medical commission at civilian healthcare institutions, and conducting commissions with the participation of representatives of the Territorial Centers for Recruitment and Social Support and combat units where former prisoners have expressed a desire to serve.”

Equally important is the prompt processing of documents for the court, which makes the decision on early conditional release.

On the day the court makes the relevant decision, the former prisoner becomes conditionally released and a soldier of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, acquiring nearly the same rights and duties as other defenders.