The commander of the Alcatraz battalion spoke about how former prisoners are fighting in the Donetsk region.

Inmates who decided to join the Armed Forces of Ukraine are motivated and not afraid to participate in the war. They are currently carrying out missions in the area of Chasiv Yar in the Donetsk region. This was reported by the commander of the special rifle battalion 'Alcatraz' of the 93rd Brigade with the call sign 'Validol'.

These recruits are former prisoners who decided to join the Ukrainian army. The serviceman Oleksandr, known as 'Multik', mentioned that he wants to do something useful, help his brother who has children, and not return to his past.

According to him, it was difficult at first, but now they are ready to run 6 kilometers with full combat gear.

Bogdan, a 22-year-old serviceman with the call sign 'Dobby', has joined the army for the second Time: at the beginning of the war, he served his time, signed a contract, and went to the front. In 2023, he was injured, after which he committed a crime and spent two months in prison. After that, he decided to return to the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

'They are all very motivated. They voluntarily came here. In two weeks, they did much more than some in two months. They don’t need to be forced, they themselves want to develop. It’s easier with them,' says Ivan, an instructor of the 'Alcatraz' special battalion.

The 'Alcatraz' battalion started forming in July 2024. Commander 'Validol' notes that they independently conduct selection in prisons, but the decision about release is always made by the court. He also emphasizes that the desire to participate in the battalion is not enough - one must meet physical and psychological requirements.

If a person is convicted of particularly serious crimes, such as treason or corruption, they are not accepted. Only those who have served sentences for less severe offenses can join the special battalion.

The Kursk operation and results

Six months have passed since the start of the Kursk operation. During this period, the total number of losses on the Russian side amounts to about 40,000, of which over 16,000 are fatalities. This was reported by the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The operation of our army in the Kursk region aimed to prevent the enemy's advance in the Sumy and Kharkiv areas.

Ukrainian military managed to capture 909 invaders during the operation, which significantly replenished the exchange fund and allowed the return of defenders who were in Russian prisons.

President Zelensky believes that the Kursk operation plays an important role in the negotiation process. He stated this during a meeting with the British Foreign Minister David Lammy.