Instructor from 'Shkval' Battalion Details Flaws in Convict Mobilization and Unit Assignment

Faults Found in Mobilizing Prisoners for Military Service

According to ХВИЛЯ: Anton Chorny, an instructor with the 'Shkval' battalion, has publicly criticized the system for mobilizing convicts into the Ukrainian armed forces, highlighting significant problems with how they are assigned to units. During an interview with political analyst Yuriy Romanenko, he detailed the systemic shortcomings faced by prisoners during the mobilization process.

Chorny explained that while prisoners' documents are processed by deputy commanders of penal colonies and territorial recruitment centers, the procedure is deeply flawed.

"The process itself is far from perfect. Ideally, a person would have one clear path-he arrives, and it's for the 59th 'Shkval' Brigade, that's it, and he's left alone. He could then confidently wait to be taken by the 59th. But that's not how it works," emphasized Anton Chorny.

This mobilization of prisoners is a controversial measure Ukraine has adopted to bolster its military forces amid the ongoing war with Russia.

Uncertainty Plagues Mobilized Convicts

Anton Chorny also stressed the profound uncertainty faced by the convicts.

"He has absolutely no idea where he will end up. To be clear, a person sitting in prison, a convict, has absolutely no knowledge of where he will be sent," the instructor noted.

In his view, it is crucial to eliminate this uncertainty so individuals know their fate and destination.

"Can we remove this element, so there isn't this... so a person knows his destiny, knows where he is going? We can do this, of course we can," Chorny concluded.

Chorny's critique underscores the urgent need to refine Ukraine's mechanism for mobilizing convicts, ensuring greater transparency and clarity for those behind bars. In wartime conditions, it is vital for all participants in the mobilization process to have a clear understanding of their rights and duties, which can positively impact morale and readiness for service. Improving this process could also help reduce social tensions, as the issue of convict mobilization remains sensitive and widely debated within Ukrainian society.