Russia deploys female ex‑prisoners in frontline assault
The Russians are employing female prisoners, recruited from correctional facilities, to assault Ukrainian positions, stated Nazar Voloshyn, spokesperson for the southern group of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. He added that so far, none have been captured by Ukraine.
- We hadn't noticed this previously, but now we have information that the enemy is using women in these assault operations - stated Voloshyn, cited by the RBK-Ukraine service.
Voloshyn emphasized that these women are former prisoners, currently serving in Storm units. Thus far, none have been taken captive by Ukraine.
- Should that occur, we will inform immediately - added the spokesperson.
They end up on the front as "cannon fodder"
Ukrainian media remind us that the mobilisation 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 being placed in Storm Z units, which are under the command of 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 mobilisation of convicts. This law permits the release of certain categories of prisoners so they can undertake military service on a contract basis during mobilisation and martial law.
