Ukrainian brigade shows use of former detainees
In May, Ukraine allows recruitment of prisoners for the Military. The first units have already formed from convicts. A front brigade shows the first combat deployment of such a battalion.
The 47th mechanized brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces has released a video showing a combat deployment of former convicts serving in the unit. The footage was reportedly taken near the village of Nowosseliwka Perscha in the Donezk region. In the video, Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicles transport Infantry to a wooded area. Disembarked soldiers form a firing line and advance under covering fire.
"The soldiers of the 'Shkval' Special Battalion of the 47th separate mechanized brigade have already proven their efficiency and motivation on the battlefield in the Pokrovsk sector," reported the brigade's press service about the video. "The 'Shkval' fighters landed and dealt with the Russian infantry by taking their positions." The information cannot be verified independently.
"Everyone has the right to make a mistake"
The members of the 'Shkval' Special Battalion were recruited from Ukrainian prisons and received their insignia during a ceremony over the weekend. "Everyone has the right to make a mistake and get a second chance," the brigade justified the recruitment of convicts. At the same time, it emphasized that the ex-prisoners serve in a separate battalion of the brigade and there are no overlaps with other brigade units. The number of men serving in the 'Shkval' Special Battalion is not known. The training reportedly lasted two months.
The 47th mechanized brigade is not the only unit that sets up formations consisting of former convicts. Similar practices are reportedly in place in the 92nd Assault Brigade and the 1st Assault Battalion 'Da Vinci'. The third assault brigade takes a different approach and integrates convicted criminals into the existing unit structures.
Due to the personnel shortage in the Military, the Ukrainian Parliament made way for the recruitment of convicts in May. Those convicted of multiple murders, sexual assaults, or attacks on national security cannot volunteer for the front. Over 3,000 convicts have reportedly been released on parole and assigned to military units. According to estimates by the Ukrainian Justice Ministry, approximately 27,000 convicts could be eligible for the mobilization program and receive amnesty.
The decision to recruit prisoners for the Military in Ukraine has led to the formation of combat units, such as the 'Shkval' Special Battalion, which has reportedly demonstrated effectiveness in the Pokrovsk sector. Despite their criminal past, the brigade argues that everyone deserves a second chance, and these convicts serve in a separate battalion within the 47th mechanized brigade, undergoing intense two-month training before being deployed.
Amidst the ongoing 'Attack on Ukraine' by Russian forces, the Ukrainian Military has turned to unconventional recruitment methods, providing a chance for rehabilitation to convicted criminals, in an effort to alleviate the persistent issue of personnel shortages.
