Two former convicts serving as frontline soldiers in Ukraine’s ongoing conflict have emerged as highly motivated and disciplined members of their unit, according to their non-convict commander. Known by their war aliases “Malyuk” and “Rameses,” the men have been fighting in some of the war’s most intense battles, including the recent combat in the Kursk region of Russia.
Malyuk, 27, was convicted of manslaughter in 2019 after a fatal altercation and spent nearly five years in prison before joining the Ukrainian military. Rameses, 30, entered service in 2022 but was briefly incarcerated on a lesser, unspecified charge before reenlisting. Both men have expressed determination to contribute to Ukraine’s defense despite their pasts.
Their commander described them as among the brigade’s most courageous and disciplined soldiers, noting that while some members of the unit have deserted, the group of prisoners-turned-fighters, sometimes referred to as the “Shkval lads,” remain steadfast.
The two soldiers recounted the difficult journey to enlistment. They had repeatedly requested to join the military early in the conflict but encountered bureaucratic delays, only being authorized to enlist in the spring of 2024. “You don’t have the right to sit in prison when your country is fighting for its life,” Malyuk said, emphasizing a strong sense of duty despite their previous convictions.
Both men were initially frontline assault troops during the fierce battles in Kursk, where their unit saw devastating losses—only 20 out of 120 soldiers escaped without death or serious injury. Since then, the nature of fighting has evolved, with drones and high-tech weapons playing a larger role. Malyuk now serves as the chief sergeant of his company, focusing more on training and logistical duties, occasionally retrieving casualties from the frontlines.
Rameses highlighted the intensity of Russian attacks, noting the use of drones, rockets, glide bombs with heavy payloads, and ballistic missiles, many of which Ukrainian defenses can no longer intercept. He noted that Russian forces have consistently targeted civilian areas including shops, supermarkets, and fuel stations, aiming to devastate towns such as Slovyansk and Kramatorsk, following the destruction inflicted on Bakhmut.
The soldiers suggested that the discipline and psychological resilience developed in prison may aid adaptation to military life. Rameses reflected that while war is far harsher, prison requires a level of self-discipline that aligns with military demands. Malyuk agreed, adding that ex-convicts tend to be more motivated than conscripts who may be unwilling participants.
Both men are aware of ongoing operations involving other specialized units such as the Lyut (Fury) Brigade, a police-formed unit engaged roughly 20 miles south of their positions near Kostyantynivka. The town has faced prolonged conflict, with Russian forces intermittently claiming to have captured it, though Ukrainian troops maintain a fragile hold despite infiltration and intense pressure.
Malyuk confirmed that on previous missions near Kursk, his unit has operated alongside members of the Lyut Brigade. While occasional tensions or harsh exchanges occur during downtime, they maintain professional cooperation under fire. The Lyut Brigade has earned a reputation for toughness in numerous key battles since its establishment in January 2023 by police volunteers dedicated to front-line combat.
As the conflict continues, both “Malyuk” and “Rameses” say they are committed to fighting until the war’s end, embodying a complex facet of Ukraine’s defense involving individuals with troubled pasts who have found renewed purpose in military service.