- Ukraine allows some convicts to join armed forces to address manpower shortage.
- Convicts who sign up will be offered parole, potentially adding 20,000 soldiers.
- New legislation aims to address Ukraine's manpower crisis amid ongoing conflict.
President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has signed a law that allows certain convicts to join the armed forces, a move aimed at addressing Ukraine’s pressing manpower issue in its ongoing conflict with Russia. The law, which was published on the parliamentary database on Friday, offers parole to convicts who sign a contract to join the army, potentially generating up to 20,000 soldiers for the Ukrainian war effort.
Ukraine’s military has long struggled with manpower shortages, particularly as it faces a much larger and better-equipped Russian army. The problem has become even more acute in recent months, prompting authorities to introduce stricter measures for draft evaders.
The new law allows convicts to enlist in the army, but excludes those convicted of the most serious crimes, such as premeditated murder, rape, and crimes against national security. This move is seen as a desperate attempt to bolster Ukraine’s military ranks and counter Russia’s relentless offensives in the northeast, east, and south.
In addition to the new law, Zelenskiy also signed a law increasing fines for draft dodgers to up to 8,500 hryvnias ($218). This is a significant increase, considering the average monthly wage in Ukraine is about $560.
The lack of manpower is seen by many military analysts as Ukraine’s biggest problem, even more pressing than the delayed weapons supplies from Washington and other allies. Ukraine has already lowered the draft mobilization age from 27 to 25, and the upper limit is 60.
In an effort to further address the manpower shortage, the government has also temporarily suspended consular services for men of military age who reside abroad. This move is seen as a way to encourage these individuals to return to Ukraine and contribute to the war effort.
Sweeping legislation overhauling the rules governing army mobilization comes into force on Saturday, aimed at streamlining the process and increasing efficiency. This move is seen as a crucial step in addressing Ukraine’s manpower crisis and bolstering its military capabilities.
The Ukrainian government is pulling out all the stops to address its manpower shortage, and the new law allowing convicts to join the army is just one part of a broader effort to mobilize resources and personnel. With Russia’s offensives showing no signs of slowing, Ukraine’s military needs all the help it can get.
The move to allow convicts to join the army has been met with mixed reactions, with some hailing it as a necessary measure to boost manpower and others expressing concerns about the potential risks and consequences. However, with Ukraine’s military facing an existential threat, desperate times call for desperate measures.
As the conflict with Russia continues to rage on, Ukraine’s military is facing an uphill battle. The new law allowing convicts to join the army is just one part of a broader effort to address the country’s manpower crisis and turn the tide of the war. Only time will tell if this move will have the desired impact.
