At the beginning of July 2024 reports of the "Kharakternyky" Ukrainian convicts battalion started to appear.

[3] Prisoners who are barred from recruitment include those convicted of the murder of two or more people, rape, sexual violence, terrorism and treason.

[3] 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.

[4] Protection for Prisoners of Ukraine leader, Oleg Tsvily said that his organization "supports the idea behind the law but the text that was passed is discriminatory".

[5] He also raised concerns about convicts being abused by their commanders and used as cannon fodder saying "Some commanders treat even ordinary mobilised people badly, why would it be different for prisoners?