The Ukrainian convicts swapping jail for the battlefield

#Ukraine

#BBCNews

Since the creation of a new law last year, more than 10,000 prisoners have joined the Ukrainian military, including murderers.

Those convicted of the most serious crimes however, like multiple killings, sexual violence, corruption and treason, are excluded.

According to the government, most of the prisoners who have signed up have volunteered for the infantry, where they've taken part in intense fighting.

They will also feed into a new assault force announced by President Volodymyr Zelensky in September.

With traditional specialists like marines or paratroopers becoming increasingly redundant on the modern battlefield, this new unit will storm Russian positions with the help of drones.