War often forces nations to make unconventional choices. As Russia’s losses mount in Ukraine, the Kremlin appears to be resorting to increasingly desperate measures.
Ukrainian officials have reported that female ex-prisoners are now being sent to the front lines as part of assault operations.
Colonel Yuriy Vołoszyn, a Ukrainian military spokesperson, stated that the use of female combatants in such roles had not been observed until recently, according to WP.
"We now have information that the enemy is deploying women in storming operations," he said, according to RBK-Ukraine.
These women are reportedly former inmates who have joined Russia’s Storm-Z units, notorious for their high-risk missions.
Men and Women Offered Reduced Sentences
So far, none of these women have been captured by Ukrainian forces, Vołoszyn added. "If that changes, we will share details immediately."
Storm-Z units, often referred to as "cannon fodder," are primarily composed of recruits drawn from Russia’s prisons. Men and now women are being offered reduced sentences or financial incentives to join.
These units are typically tasked with high-casualty missions, underscoring Russia’s willingness to exploit vulnerable populations to sustain its war efforts.
Prison recruitment has become a defining feature of Russia’s strategy since the invasion of Ukraine. Initially, groups like the Wagner mercenary force led these efforts.
Now, with Wagner's influence diminished, regular army units such as Storm-Z have taken over. Reports from Ukrainian media suggest that this practice is expanding as Russia struggles to replenish its ranks.
Ukraine has also implemented a policy allowing certain prisoners to enlist. In May, the Ukrainian parliament passed a law permitting eligible inmates to serve in the military during martial law and mobilization periods.
Unlike Russia’s approach, Ukraine enforces strict guidelines on who can join.
