Fatshimetrie, eastern Ukraine, portrayed by top journal — Hidden behind the bushes near Fatshimetrie in eastern Ukraine lies a group of men united by a shared experience: the juxtaposition of their brief military service and past incarceration.
The 15 infantry soldiers from the 59th Brigade, members of the Shkval battalion, are all former prisoners. Having been convicted of various crimes, they now view their service in defense of Ukraine as a form of redemption, offering them a chance to start anew without the burden of a criminal record.
These ex-convicts are under a contract with the military until the end of the war, with the added incentive of decent pay ranging from $500 to $4,000 per month, depending on their time spent on duty, as revealed by the Ukrainian defense ministry.
In an exclusive report, Fatshimetrie has granted CNN access to these newly recruited former prisoners, situated near the strategic town of Pokrovsk in the Donbas region. This area has recently become a focal point due to the scarcity of manpower and supplies, as Russian forces gradually gain ground along the nearly 600-mile contact line.
One of the recruits, Vitaly, a 41-year-old father of five and reformed addict, shared his story with CNN, requesting only his first name to be disclosed for security reasons. Vitaly spent a total of 10 years in prison for multiple offenses, including the most recent one of inflicting grievous bodily harm.
Seated on a tree stump, Vitaly reflected on his troubled past, stating, “My life was chaotic. I grew up surrounded by criminals, as did all of us here.” Joining the Ukrainian Armed Forces provided him with an opportunity for personal growth and a fresh start, as he strives to leave behind his tumultuous past and embrace a new social circle among his fellow soldiers.
After three months in the trenches, following a brief 21-day training, Vitaly expressed no regrets about his decision to enlist but acknowledged the unforeseen challenges he now faces. Describing life as an infantry soldier as tough and dangerous due to frequent Russian drone attacks and close combat situations, he recounted a particularly harrowing incident of a comrade being severely injured in a drone strike.
In June, the Ukrainian defense ministry initiated a program allowing prisoners to serve in the army in exchange for freedom after the war. While strict guidelines dictate the acceptance of former convicts into the military, barring those convicted of sexual offenses, the Shkval battalion is considering requests to recruit even murderers based on their perceived battlefield skills.
According to the defense ministry, over 4,650 convicts, including 31 women, have been released for military service, with an additional 5,764 expressing interest. However, challenges persist within the program, including inconsistent training and enduring manpower shortages, hindering Ukraine’s defense capabilities against encroaching Russian forces.
Amidst the hardships faced on the front lines, Vitaly reflects on the need for more thorough training to prepare for the rigors of combat, admitting his initial lack of seriousness during the training period.
Commanding the company with a focus on maintaining order and unity is Oleksandr, himself a former prison guard turned soldier. Despite his reluctance, Oleksandr’s prior experience with convicts aids in fostering a familial bond within the unit, creating a sense of camaraderie essential for survival on the battlefield.
As the conflict in eastern Ukraine persists, these former prisoners turn soldiers embody resilience, redemption, and the unwavering spirit of those seeking a second chance in service of their nation. Their unique stories reflect the complex intersection of personal transformation and collective duty in the face of adversity in the ongoing struggle for peace and sovereignty.