According to the minister, the Ukrainian military objects to having its ranks bolstered by people with certain criminal backgrounds.
“We propose to exclude certain categories [of convicts] and are currently discussing with the military whom to exclude,” said Maliuska.
“For example, the military is not very keen on us freeing those who have committed war crimes, for instance, those who have already made trouble while in service… Those who committed crimes against statehood, something akin to traitors, will also be ineligible. However, in other cases, it is entirely possible to work with this contingent, as many of them are patriotically inclined.”
The minister added that a legal mechanism for the mobilization of convicts is being developed and will soon be submitted to the Ukrainian parliament.
“The new mechanism will involve us handing over individuals from [correctional facilities] to the mobilization centers, and from there, people will be transferred further,” Maliuska continues.
In conclusion, the minister said that the program, if approved by the parliament, could provide “thousands” of new recruits for Ukraine’s Armed Forces.