30,000 Ukrainian convicts could be released to fight Russia

Kiev is turning to its prisons to fill the ranks of its armed forces, offering parole in exchange for frontline service following a mobilization bill introduced last month.

Over 3,000 inmates have already been assigned to military units under the new scheme, while the Justice Ministry estimates a further 27,000 could become eligible to join them.

Those convicted of rape, sexual assault, endangering national security, or murdering at least two people are ineligible as things stand.