The Ministry of Justice reported the number of former convicts who joined the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

The Ministry of Justice reports that at the beginning of April, about 8 thousand former convicted men and women became soldiers of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and another 900 applications are under consideration. This was reported by the head of the Department for the Execution of Sentences of the Ministry of Justice, Yevgen Horobets. Horobets reminded that since May 2024, when the law on parole for convicts to participate in the defense of the country was adopted, the first groups of volunteers from among the released were included in combat units in August 2024. Most of the paroled fighters joined various assault and mechanized brigades of the Security and Defense Forces. Horobets emphasized that the parole program gives convicts a second chance and the opportunity to prove their dedication to Ukraine at the front. The deputy commander of one of the assault brigades noted that former convicts turn out to be heroic fighters, and the motivation of the military among those released on parole is impressive. The Department for the Execution of Sentences emphasizes the important role of the administrations of penitentiary institutions in conducting medical examinations, accompanying volunteers, conducting commissions, and preparing documents for the court, which is to consider the possibility of parole. Thanks to the parole program, former convicts become paroled individuals and servicemen of the Armed Forces of Ukraine with the same rights and obligations as other fighters.