Mobilization in Ukraine continues and the army is being replenished with an unexpected contingent - former prisoners. The Times has written about this in its article.
Since the law was passed, about 3,000 convicted men out of a potential 25,000 have joined the AFU. Many of them see it as a chance to rehabilitate themselves and serve the country.
Valentin, convicted of manslaughter, speaks enthusiastically about the decision, "I'm glad to be here. I don't regret taking this chance."
Another recruit, Sergei, signed the contract after serving ten months of a five-year sentence for a crime he chose not to disclose. Although he has no military experience, he is optimistic about his chances of survival: "I made my choice and I feel that everything will be fine. It's better to be here than stuck in prison. I can be useful here. In any case, everyone in Ukraine will end up at the front sooner or later."
Some of the former prisoners, such as Konstantin, who served seven years for weapons possession, said they had sought to fight for Ukraine since the full-scale invasion began. "I wrote dozens of requests to be sent to the army," the man recounts.
The recruits believe they will not be used as "cannon fodder" and hope to contribute to the defense of their homeland. Despite their troubled past, they are ready to stand up for Ukraine and prove that they are worthy of a second chance.
