Ukrainian President Orders The Release Of All Prisoners With Combat Experience
Volodymyr Zelenskyy says the inmates will be able to compensate for their guilty if they head to the frontlines.
Ukraine's President has order all inmates in the country with combat experience to be released from prison.
As Russia continues to advance its military into the country, Volodymyr Zelenskyy said they need as many soldiers as possible to be sent to the frontlines.
While it might be concerning to think that prisoners would be let out into the public, the Ukrainian leader said it was necessary to defeat Russian forces.
"Ukrainians with real combat experience will be released from custody and will be able to compensate for their guilt in the hottest spots," Zelensky said.
"All sanctions against some individuals who participated in the Anti-Terrorist Operation will be lifted. The key thing now is defense."
He added: "When I went to the presidency, I said that each of us is the president. Because we are all responsible for our country. For our beautiful Ukraine.
"And now it has happened that each of us is a warrior. And I am sure that each of us will win."
At the moment, all men aged between 18 to 60 have been banned from leaving the country so that they can protect Ukraine.
The move was introduced by Ukraine's state border guard service (DPSA) after President Zelenskyy imposed martial law following Russia's invasion into the country.
The country's interior ministry announced the decision via Telegram last week, according to Vice News.
The declaration said: "The State Border Guard Service of Ukraine reports that due to the imposition of martial law in Ukraine, a certain category of citizens is temporarily restricted from leaving Ukraine.
"In particular, male citizens of Ukraine aged 18 to 60 are prohibited from leaving Ukraine. Such a rule will apply for the period of martial law. We ask citizens to take this information into account."
President Zelenskyy used his address to also urge Russian troops to abandon the war effort.
He said more than 4,500 troops from the invading country have been killed during the conflict so far and he said more bloodshed will continue if they don't back down immediately.
"Abandon your equipment. Get out of here. Don't believe your commanders. Don't believe your propagandists. Just save your lives," he said.
He's also recently has signed an application for Ukraine to join the European Union.
The move was announced as an 'historic moment' by the Parliament of Ukraine on Twitter.
The Verkovna Rada of Ukraine also shared a picture of Zelenskyy adding his signature to the letter, as well as a picture of the application itself.
"Our goal is to be with all Europeans and, most importantly, to be equal. I'm sure that's fair. I am sure we deserve it."
The European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said that Ukraine is 'one of us and we want them in the European Union'.
Featured Image Credit: AlamyStewart Perrie