Ukraine Begins Recruiting Convicts To Replenish Infantry Ranks

DNIPROPETROVSK REGION, UKRAINE - JUNE 15: A former prisoner with the call sign "Palach" (translation "Executioner") with tattoo "Only Got is my judge" who signed a contract to join the Ukrainian army do tactical training with AK at the base of the first assault battalion named after "Da Vinci" on June 15, 2024 in Dnipropetrovsk region, Ukraine. A law adopted by parliament in May has allowed some convicted criminals to win early release by enlisting in Ukraine's assault brigades. The prisoners released through the amnesty program can only join the frontline infantry roles and will join units made up solely of former prisoners. Before seeing the frontline, however, the former prisoners will train in basic tactical skills, assembly and disassembly of weapons, and physical exercises. This is followed by the Ukrainian army's five-week basic training course, after which the new recruits will join the combat units. (Photo by Andriy Dubchak/Frontliner/Getty Images)