Kharakternyky Battalion
| Kharakternyky Battalion | |
|---|---|
| Батальйон Характерники | |
| Active | 2024 – Present |
| Allegiance |  Ukraine |
| Type | Penal battalion |
| Role | Assault troops |
| Size | 400–800 |
| Nickname(s) | Wizards Battalion |
| Engagements | Russian Invasion of Ukraine |
| Commanders | |
| Current commander | Unknown |
At the beginning of July 2024 reports of the "Kharakternyky" Ukrainian convicts battalion started to appear.[1]
Prisoners who are barred from recruitment include those convicted of the murder of two or more people, rape, sexual violence, terrorism and treason.[1] 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.[2]
The battalion was reported to have 400 to 800 members.[3] The battalion is attached to the 24th Mechanized Brigade.[4][5]
References
[edit]- ^ a b "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.