At the beginning of July 2024 reports of the "Kharakternyky" Ukrainian convicts battalion started to appear.[3]
| Kharakternyky Battalion | |
|---|---|
| Батальйон Характерники | |
| Active | 2024 – Present |
| Allegiance |  Ukraine |
| Type | Penal battalion |
| Role | Assault troops[1] |
| Size | 400–800 |
| Nickname(s) | Wizards Battalion |
| Patron | Daniel of Galicia[2] |
| Engagements | Russian Invasion of Ukraine |
| Commanders | |
| Current commander | Unknown |
Prisoners who are barred from recruitment include those convicted of the murder of two or more people, rape, sexual violence, terrorism and treason.[3] If a member of the battalion would attempt to desert or retreat without authorisation, an additional 5 to 10 years would be added to their sentence.[4] Protection for Prisoners of Ukraine leader, Oleg Tsvily said that his organization "supports the idea behind the law but the text that was passed is discriminatory".[5] He also raised concerns about convicts being abused by their commanders and used as cannon fodder saying "Some commanders treat even ordinary mobilised people badly, why would it be different for prisoners?"[6][7]
The battalion was reported to have 400 to 800 members.[8] The battalion is attached to the 24th Mechanized Brigade.[9][10]
References
edit- ^ Ярослав, Остафійчук (May 28, 2024). "Minister of Justice tells where mobilised prisoners will serve - Ukrainian Komersant".
- ^ https://censor.net/en/photonews/3507030/voyiny_24yi_ombr_pokazaly_zruyinovanyyi_rosiyiskymy_okupantamy_chasiv_yar
- ^ a b "Ministry of Justice: The first seven female prisoners signed a contract with the Armed Forces of Ukraine". babel.ua. July 24, 2024.
- ^ "The Ministry of Justice said that more than three thousand convicts have submitted statements of desire to serve in the army". babel.ua. May 21, 2024.
- ^ "Ukraine approves bill allowing prisoners to join armed forces amid manpower shortage - Türkiye Today".
- ^ "Ukraine parliament passes bill for prisoners to join army". Al Jazeera.
- ^ "Ukraine parliament passes bill allowing prisoners to join military amid personnel shortage". May 9, 2024 – via The Economic Times - The Times of India.
- ^ ""Kharakternyky" battalion has appeared in Ukraine — it consists of convicts". babel.ua. July 9, 2024.
- ^ Ярослав, Остафійчук (July 10, 2024). "'Characterisers': a battalion of ex-prisoners has appeared in the Ukrainian Armed Forces - Ukrainian Komersant".
- ^ ""Характерники" со вторым шансом: бригада со Львовщины сформировала батальон из бывших заключенных". www.ostro.org.