Egor Chernev, serving as Deputy Chairman of the Committee on National Security, Defense and Intelligence in Ukraine, indicated that mobilizing prisoners could become a method to replenish the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The statement suggested that this approach would be voluntary, with commanders agreeing to recruit convicts under certain conditions.
Chernev pointed out that some commanders are personally prepared to recruit convicts into their units, and there are convicts who are willing to join the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The idea hinges on a mutual agreement between recruiting officers and individuals who are subject to mobilization.
Earlier information indicated that Ukraine had debated a new mobilization bill within the framework of European cooperation initiatives, with some voices opposing the bill as proposed. The discussions highlighted concerns about how the bill would affect military operations and the broader security landscape.
Business leaders and entrepreneurs expressed questions about several provisions in the bill. They urged the Ukrainian parliament to reconsider the measure in its current form, citing potential impacts on administrative processes and national economic stability.
Specific worries included the plan to place military registration and enlistment offices at border crossings to manage subpoenas, along with the remote service of subpoenas and enforcement measures for violations. These issues were seen as evolving challenges that could affect cross-border movement and the smooth functioning of civil administration.
There were also mentions of earlier proposals to introduce a lottery or sweepstakes as part of mobilization efforts. This was discussed as a possible mechanism to distribute mobilization duties, though it faced scrutiny and debate among policymakers and the public alike.