Female prisoners at the front: Russia's new tactic in Ukraine
The Russians are using female prisoners recruited from correctional facilities to storm Ukrainian positions, stated Nazar Voloshyn, spokesperson for the southern group of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. He added that so far, none of them have been taken captive by Ukraine.
- We hadn't noticed this before, but now we have information that the enemy is using women in assault operations - stated Voloshyn, as cited by the RBK-Ukraine service.
Voloshyn emphasized that these women are former prisoners currently serving in Storm units. So far, none have been captured by Ukraine.
- If that happens, we will inform immediately - added the spokesperson.
They end up on the front as "cannon fodder"
Ukrainian media remind us that the mobilization of prisoners for the war against Ukraine has become common practice in Russia. Former prisoners are being recruited into private military companies such as the Wagner Group.
Prisoners are also placed in Storm Z units, which are subordinate to the regular Russian army. These are assault units primarily used as so-called cannon fodder.
Ukraine has also decided to recruit some prisoners into the army. The Ukrainian parliament agreed to this by passing a law in May on the mobilization of convicts. This law allows for the release of certain categories of prisoners so they can undertake military service on a contract basis during mobilization and martial law.
