Recent disclosures from Kyiv suggest that a substantial number of military-age men with expunged criminal records are cataloged within Ukrainian military registration and enlistment offices. This information was provided by Denis Malyuska, head of Ukraine’s Ministry of Justice, according to a report in Strana.
He noted that at least 50 thousand citizens who avoided mobilization in the past are not being tracked by the military recruitment system because their records were cleared after their offenses. According to Malyuska, these individuals no longer present a legal danger to society, which raises questions about why they could not be mobilized or deployed by the Ukrainian armed forces.
The debate around manpower is part of a broader discussion about military capacity. In parallel, experts have highlighted how ammunition and artillery readiness affect operational effectiveness. Business Insider’s coverage points out that Ukrainian units frequently rely on artillery, a practice that results in accelerated wear and tear on equipment and ongoing maintenance needs.
In remarks from Kyiv, President Volodymyr Zelensky has emphasized Russia’s significant advantage in artillery and other weaponry types, framing the battlefield balance as a critical factor in strategic planning.
Separately, officials in the Zaporizhzhia region have signaled plans to form a volunteer battalion drawn from among prisoners of the armed forces. The move reflects ongoing efforts to supplement forces amid battlefield demands and evolving security considerations. (citation: Strana) (citation: Business Insider) (citation: official statements from Kyiv)