Over 600 convicts join AFU ranks, Justice Minister says
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Ukraine
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Over 600 convicts join AFU ranks, Justice Minister says

AFU

As of May 28, 613 prisoners have already left the prison and joined the ranks of the Armed Forces. Currently, they are undergoing appropriate training, and in the future they will serve in assault units.

Already 613 prisoners have joined the ranks of the Ukrainian Armed Forces

Minister of Justice Denys Malyuska reported that several months of training are planned for these people, after which they will serve in assault units.

As of now, these will be assault units, these will be units that, so far, consist exclusively of persons who have served their sentences. That is, these are monolithic units - without mixing with other servicemen, said Denys Malyuska.

He added that he is not sure that this is the best option, but in this matter, he relies on the military because they "see ”

We have not yet reached the point of directly conducting combat operations by these units, preparations are underway. Perhaps the situation will change later. And the choice to mix or not to mix will be made for a different benefit. But for now, these are separate units. So far, these are assault units, the minister said.

Mobilisation of convicts

The Verkhovna Rada voted for the voluntary mobilisation of prisoners on May 8. The President signed the law on May 17.

The prisoners are banned from joining AFU ranks if they were sentenced for the following crimes:

  • Crimes against the national security of Ukraine (Articles 109, 114-2 of the Criminal Code);

  • Committing intentional murder of two or more persons, or committed with particular cruelty, or combined with rape or sexual violence (Chapter 2 of Article 115 of the Criminal Code);

  • Criminal offences against a person's sexual freedom and sexual integrity (criminal offences provided for in Articles 152 to 156-1 of the Criminal Code);

  • Terrorism (criminal offences provided for in Articles 258-258-6 of the Criminal Code);

  • A road accident with a fatal outcome was committed under the influence of drugs or alcohol (Chapter 4 of Article 286-1 of the Criminal Code).

The same condition applies to all others who can potentially be mobilised - they must have no more than three years left before the end of their sentence.

Category
Ukraine
Publication date

Ukrainian Air Force shoots down 3 missiles and 13 Russian drones

Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine
Ukrainian Air Force

The Russian Federation again launched strikes on the territory of Ukraine on the afternoon of January 3. The enemy used missiles and drones.

Points of attention

  • The Ukrainian Air Force successfully shot down 3 Russian missiles and 13 drones during the recent attacks on Ukrainian territory.
  • Despite increased enemy missile and drone strikes, Ukraine continues to defend its territory and demonstrate readiness to respond to hostile actions.
  • The Russian Federation has intensified strikes on Ukraine's critical infrastructure, using various types of missiles and drones to overload air defenses and exhaust sky defenders.
  • In 2024, the Air Force destroyed over 1,300 missiles, 11,200 strike drones, and 3,200 reconnaissance UAVs, showcasing the ongoing efforts to protect Ukrainian airspace.
  • Ukraine's air defense efforts in 2024 resulted in the successful interception of 40 enemy planes and 6 helicopters, highlighting the continuous defense against aerial threats.

Ukrainian Air Force shoots down three Russian missiles

According to the Air Force, today, from 12:00 to 20:00, the enemy launched strikes with missiles of various types:

  • 5 S-300 anti-aircraft guided missiles in the Kursk region;

  • 3 Iskander-M ballistic missiles in Chernihiv region;

  • three Kh-59/69 guided aircraft missiles in the Dnipropetrovsk region.

And also attacked with 32 Shahed-type strike drones and various types of simulator drones from the northeast.

As of 8:00 p.m., three missiles and 13 enemy drones had been shot down. Another 19 drones were lost in the air.

The Russian Air Force has been reporting on destroyed Russian missiles and drones since 2024

The enemy has used significantly more missiles and strike drones on Ukraine's critical infrastructure than last year. In addition, a large number of drones have appeared that imitate real "Shaheeds".

Thus, the enemy is trying to complicate the air situation as much as possible, overload our air defenses and exhaust our sky defenders. In addition, enemy aircraft have launched tens of thousands of guided bombs on the frontline territories, wiping out Ukrainian frontline cities and villages.

In addition, during this year, the enemy has increased both the production and use of ballistic missiles in Ukraine, including the North Korean KN-23.

Despite daily enemy attacks, the Air Force, together with all Defense Forces, continue to hold the sky over Ukraine. In 2024, air defense destroyed more than 1,300 missiles of various types, 11,200 strike drones, and 3,200 reconnaissance UAVs of the operational-tactical level.

Also this year, Ukraine's air defense shot down 40 enemy planes and 6 helicopters.

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