What's happened
Ukraine's parliament has passed a bill allowing certain prisoners to join the military in an effort to bolster its forces amid ongoing conflict with Russia. The bill, which still requires President Volodymyr Zelensky's signature, excludes those convicted of serious crimes such as murder and rape. This move mirrors a similar strategy employed by Russia, which has seen a significant reduction in its prison population due to the war. The decision comes as Ukraine faces a critical shortage of personnel on the battlefield.
Why it matters
This development is significant as it highlights the severe manpower shortages Ukraine is facing in its prolonged conflict with Russia. By allowing prisoners to serve in the military, Ukraine is adopting a controversial strategy previously criticized when used by Russia. This move could have far-reaching implications for the war's dynamics and the ethical considerations of using convicts in combat. For readers, this underscores the desperate measures nations might take in times of prolonged conflict and the potential shifts in military strategies.
What the papers say
According to The Independent, the bill aims to replenish Ukraine's exhausted frontline soldiers by enlisting up to 20,000 convicts, though those convicted of serious crimes are excluded. Business Insider UK notes that this strategy mimics Russia's use of prisoners, which has led to a significant drop in its prison population. The New York Times highlights the sensitivity of the matter, noting that the decision to mobilize prisoners would require court approval and the prisoners' willingness to serve. Al Jazeera points out that this marks a significant shift in Ukraine's stance, as it had previously criticized Russia for similar practices. Politico adds that the bill excludes MPs and top government officials who have committed crimes from benefiting from this law.
How we got here
The ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia has led to significant casualties and a depletion of military personnel on both sides. Russia has been using prisoners to fill its ranks since the early days of the invasion, offering pardons in exchange for military service. This strategy has resulted in a notable decrease in Russia's prison population. Facing similar manpower shortages, Ukraine has now passed a bill to allow certain prisoners to join its military, a move that marks a departure from its previous stance on the issue.
Common question
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Ukraine is a country in Eastern Europe. It is the second-largest European country after Russia, which borders it to the east and northeast.
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Russia, or the Russian Federation, is a transcontinental country located in Eastern Europe and Northern Asia. Covering an area of 17,125,200 square kilometres, it is the largest country in the world by area, spanning more than one-eighth of the Earth's in
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Volodymyr Oleksandrovych Zelenskyy is a Ukrainian politician, actor and comedian who is the 6th and current president of Ukraine, serving since May 2019.