Ukraine's Parliament approved a bill allowing some convicts to join the military in exchange for potential parole after their service, aiming to bolster the army's ranks depleted by years of war. The bill, pending President Zelensky's approval, excludes those convicted of serious crimes like premeditated murder and rape. The decision to mobilize and parole a prisoner would be determined by a court, with the prisoner's consent to join the army. The bill also integrates prisoners into special units for the duration of martial law and is part of Ukraine's efforts to address troop shortages. However, the decision to involve prisoners in the military is contentious, and its endorsement by President Zelensky is uncertain.