Former car thief Bohdan Filonenko is among thousands of Ukrainian prisoners who signed up under a new law granting them amnesty in exchange for army service, following Kyiv's struggle to recruit enough troops to fend off Moscow's full-scale invasion.

Kharkiv

Russian forces have invaded Ukraine from land, air and sea with strikes causing widespread damage. Global leaders have condemned the move and imposed sanctions.

Ukraine Invasion

Former car thief Bohdan Filonenko is among thousands of Ukrainian prisoners who have volunteered for military service under a new law granting them amnesty. Kyiv implemented this policy to address recruitment challenges amid the ongoing conflict with Moscow, which shows no signs of abating in its 30th month. 

Filonenko, serving with the 57th Motorized Infantry Brigade, viewed this opportunity as a chance to transform his life. His commitment comes in response to hearing about civilian massacres following Russia's occupation of Kyiv's suburbs. Like Filonenko, Pavlo, another ex-convict, chose to join the military rather than complete his sentence in prison, emphasizing his desire to protect his homeland.

The new regulations stipulate that prisoners will have their sentences cleared if they serve until the end of the war, at which point they will be granted parole. The General Prosecutor's Office revealed that over 3,000 ex-prisoners have enlisted in various military units, with the Justice Minister noting that up to 20,000 could be eligible for this program. Those convicted of particularly severe crimes, such as sexual offenses and multiple murders, are excluded from this initiative.



Ukrainian ex-convicts seek second chance in army service

Servicemen and ex-convict Bohdan Filonenko had this response for fellow inmates who criticised his decision to join Ukraine's military. Some boys told me, live a little more. I answered, what do you mean, live a little? I'm not going off to die, I'm going to serve and change my life. Filonenko, imprisoned for stealing cars, is among thousands of Ukrainian prisoners who signed up under a new law granting them amnesty in exchange for army service. Kiev has struggled to recruit enough troops to fend off Moscow's full-scale invasion, which is grinding into its 30th month and shows no signs of ending. Authorities have also given encouraging treatment to convicts like Filonenko, who is now training with the 57th Motorized Infantry Brigade. That's in a bid to boost their ranks with motivated men. And just like Filonenko, ex-convict Pavlo leapt at the opportunity to fight. I had one year left of my sentence, and I could have stayed in prison instead of going to war. But this is the choice I made. Why should some strangers come to my country and destroy my land? Under the new rules, prisoners will have their remaining sentences cleared if they agree to serve without leave until the end of the war. They would then be granted parole. The General Prosecutor's Office said over 3,000 ex-prisoners have joined various military units and the Justice Minister said up to 20,000 could be eligible. Those convicted of certain offences, including sexual crimes and murder of two or more people, are barred from serving. Filonenko said he felt motivated to join after hearing of civilians being massacred following Russia's occupation of Kiev's suburbs early in the war. And he said his decision has made his mother proud.

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Ukraine Invasion