The Kharakternyky Battalion is a Ukrainian penal battalion that was formed in 2024 after the Verkhovna Rada passed Registered draft law No. 11079 which allowed for the mobilization of convicts into the Ukrainian Army.[3][4][5]
| Kharakternyky Battalion | |
|---|---|
| Батальйон Характерники | |
| Active | 2024 – Present |
| Allegiance |  Ukraine |
| Type | Penal battalion |
| Role | Assault troops[1] |
| Size | 400–800 |
| Nickname(s) | The Magicians Characterniks[2] |
| Engagements | Russian Invasion of Ukraine |
| Commanders | |
| Current commander | Unknown |
History
editThe battalion was formed in 2024 after a bill was passed and then signed into law by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky which allowed for the mobilization of convicts into the Ukrainian Army.[6]
Like with the Russian Storm-Z and Storm-V units, the Kharakternyky Battalion's members are recruited from prisons on the premise that successful service would result in a deduction of their sentence.[7] Prisoners who are barred from recruitment include those convicted of the murder of two or more people, rape, sexual violence, terrorism and treason.[8] If a member of the battalion would attempt to desert or retreat without authorisation, an additional 5 to 10 years would be added to their sentence.[9]
The battalion was reported to have 400 to 800 members.[10] The battalion is attached to the 24th Mechanized Brigade.[11][12]
References
edit- ^ https://www.komersant.info/en/ministr-iustytsii-rozpoviv-de-sluzhytymut-mobilizovani-v-iazni-3/
- ^ "В Украине сформировали батальон "Характерники": он состоит из осужденных (фото)". www.unian.net.
- ^ "The Latest in a Long Line: Ukraine's International Legion and a History of Foreign Fighters". Harvard International Review. 2 September 2022.
- ^ Dysa, Yuliia; Balmforth, Tom (8 May 2024). "Ukraine lawmakers back bill allowing some convicts to enlist in army". Reuters. Retrieved 13 May 2024.
- ^ "Ukraine moves to send convicts to the front line — minus the rapists and killers". Politico. 8 May 2024. Retrieved 13 May 2024.
- ^ "President Zelensky signed the law on the voluntary mobilization of convicts". babel.ua. May 17, 2024.
- ^ "Отримали другий шанс: в Україні зʼявився батальйон "Характерники", який складається із засуджених".
- ^ "Ministry of Justice: The first seven female prisoners signed a contract with the Armed Forces of Ukraine". babel.ua. July 24, 2024.
- ^ "The Ministry of Justice said that more than three thousand convicts have submitted statements of desire to serve in the army". babel.ua. May 21, 2024.
- ^ ""Kharakternyky" battalion has appeared in Ukraine — it consists of convicts". babel.ua. July 9, 2024.
- ^ Ярослав, Остафійчук (July 10, 2024). "'Characterisers': a battalion of ex-prisoners has appeared in the Ukrainian Armed Forces - Ukrainian Komersant".
- ^ ""Характерники" со вторым шансом: бригада со Львовщины сформировала батальон из бывших заключенных". www.ostro.org.