From Convict to Warrior: Ukrainian Prisoners Join Army for Freedom

Bohdan Filonenko, a former car thief, joined Ukraine's military under a law granting amnesty to prisoners in exchange for service. This initiative aims to bolster troop numbers as Ukraine struggles to fend off Russia's prolonged invasion. Over 3,000 ex-prisoners have joined so far, with many motivated by a sense of duty and opportunity for a new beginning.

Former car thief Bohdan Filonenko had a straightforward retort for inmates who questioned his decision to enlist in Ukraine's military.

'I'm not going off to die,' he told them. 'I'm going to serve and change my life.' Filonenko, 32, is one of thousands of Ukrainian prisoners granted amnesty in return for military service under a new law.

Ukraine has faced challenges in recruiting enough troops to combat Moscow's unyielding invasion, now in its 30th month. In response, authorities have reformed the draft and enlisted convicts like Filonenko, now training with the 57th Motorised Infantry Brigade, to strengthen their ranks.

Filonenko and other recruits in northeastern Kharkiv said they saw this as an opportunity to fight and start anew. Pavlo, who gave only his first name, had one year left for assault but enlisted the day the law was enacted in May.

'Why should some strangers come to my country and destroy my land?' asked Pavlo, a squad leader wounded by a Russian drone. Prisoners who serve till the war's end will have their sentences cleared and be granted parole.

Over 3,000 ex-prisoners have joined various military units, as reported by the General Prosecutor's Office. Justice Minister Denys Maliuska said up to 20,000 could be eligible, excluding those convicted of severe offenses like multiple murders and sexual crimes.

Filonenko felt driven after learning of massacred civilians in Kyiv suburbs. Holding his rifle in a hollowed-out building, he recounted his mother's pride when she saw his photos, a sign that things were finally looking up.

(With inputs from agencies.)