93rd ‘Kholodny Yar’ Brigade: Ex-Prisoners Show Over 200% Motivation

20 October, 2024 Training of RSB soldiers. Photo credits: 93rd Brigade The 93rd Separate Mechanized Brigade 'Kholodny Yar' told about its Rifle Specialized Battalion (RSB), which consists of former prisoners.

The video was published by the brigade's press service. "When they come to us, we have a rule: your past is only yours alone; you have passed this stage and start from scratch," told the commanders of the 93rd Brigade. According to them, all the new recruits from among the ex-prisoners understand the tasks and where they have come.

"The soldiers are over 200 percent motivated, as they understand their current situation and the expectations placed upon them. Ultimately, it all depends on them--war is a constant learning experience that requires ongoing practice," says an instructor from the 93rd Brigade's Specialized Rifle Battalion, known by the call sign 'Shalapay.'

One of the Specialized Rifle Battalion soldiers with the call sign "Kans" took part in all combat operations on the frontline from 2014 to 2017, except in Ilovaisk. Moreover, "Kans" defended Donetsk airport from the enemy. "My skills are still here, but now it's war of drones.

The battalion is being formed; everyone is working hard; we have a strong backbone," says Kans. The servicemen of the Rifle Specialized Battalion are volunteers who are clearly aware of their constitutional duty to defend their homeland.

Training of RSB soldiers. Photo credits: 93rd Brigade

"Everyone has the right to make a mistake.

The 93rd Separate Mechanized Brigade gives a chance to correct this mistake," the brigade emphasized. Recently, Militarnyi reported that the 35th Separate Marine Brigade, named after Rear Admiral Mykhailo Ostrohradskyi, showed the training process of former prisoners who are part of the Shkval unit. The Shkval unit consists of citizens who served their sentences in prisons and decided to join the defense of the country on their own.

The Shkval unit. Source: Operational Command South

Each of the former convicts is medically fit for military service, has passed a professional and psychological selection, and has a sufficient level of physical fitness to perform their duties. They will be prohibited from leaving the military unit and traveling on personal business without the permission of their commander.

Commanders will be responsible for administrative supervision of them throughout the year.