Near Kharkiv, in eastern Ukraine, inmates convicted of theft, fraud or homicide choose to go to the trenches in exchange for promises of rehabilitation and a cleared criminal record. They will then join assault units after six weeks of basic training. Danger is everywhere there, and losses are high. To address the growing shortage of recruits after years of war against Russia, Kyiv adopted Law 3633‑IX in spring 2024. Among other measures, it allows certain inmates to enlist voluntarily in the army. Thousands of them have thus traded prison clothes for military uniform, but only a serious injury or the end of the conflict will allow them to return to civilian life.
La dernière issue, la mort, plane en permanence, sans jamais être nommée. Beaucoup préfèrent ainsi parler de devoir, de rachat et de dignité retrouvée. Tiraillés entre l’espoir et la peur, ces hommes acceptent de risquer leur vie pour leur pays et pour la possibilité d’un nouveau départ.par David Taché – Reportage complet (texte et photos) sur demande
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In July 2025, near Kharkiv, Ukrainian convicts who chose military service over remaining in prison undergo a five-week training program before joining frontline assault groups. The volunteers…
In July 2025, near Kharkiv, Ukrainian convicts who chose military service over remaining in prison undergo a five-week training program before joining frontline assault groups. The volunteers…
In July 2025, near Kharkiv, Ukrainian convicts who chose military service over remaining in prison undergo a five-week training program before joining frontline assault groups. The volunteers…
In July 2025, near Kharkiv, Ukrainian convicts who chose military service over remaining in prison undergo a five-week training program before joining frontline assault groups. The volunteers…
In July 2025, near Kharkiv, Ukrainian convicts who chose military service over remaining in prison undergo a five-week training program before joining frontline assault groups. The volunteers…
In July 2025, near Kharkiv, Ukrainian convicts who chose military service over remaining in prison undergo a five-week training program before joining frontline assault groups. The volunteers…
In July 2025, near Kharkiv, Ukrainian convicts who chose military service over remaining in prison undergo a five-week training program before joining frontline assault groups. The volunteers…
In July 2025, near Kharkiv, Ukrainian convicts who chose military service over remaining in prison undergo a five-week training program before joining frontline assault groups. The volunteers…
In July 2025, near Kharkiv, Ukrainian convicts who chose military service over remaining in prison undergo a five-week training program before joining frontline assault groups. The volunteers…
In July 2025, near Kharkiv, Ukrainian convicts who chose military service over remaining in prison undergo a five-week training program before joining frontline assault groups. The volunteers…
In July 2025, near Kharkiv, Ukrainian convicts who chose military service over remaining in prison undergo a five-week training program before joining frontline assault groups. The volunteers…
In July 2025, near Kharkiv, Ukrainian convicts who chose military service over remaining in prison undergo a five-week training program before joining frontline assault groups. The volunteers…
In July 2025, near Kharkiv, Ukrainian convicts who chose military service over remaining in prison undergo a five-week training program before joining frontline assault groups. The volunteers…