| Kharakternyky Battalion | |
|---|---|
| Батальйон Характерники | |
| Active | 2024 – Present |
| Allegiance |  Ukraine |
| Type | Penal battalion |
| Role | Assault troops[1] |
| Size | 400–800 |
| Nickname(s) | The Magicians Characterniks[2] |
| Engagements | Russian Invasion of Ukraine |
| Commanders | |
| Current commander | Unknown |
The Kharakternyky Battalion is a Ukrainian penal battalion that was formed in 2024 after the Verkhovna Rada passed Registered draft law No. 11079 which allowed for the mobilization of convicts into the Ukrainian Army.[3][4][5]
- ^ https://www.komersant.info/en/ministr-iustytsii-rozpoviv-de-sluzhytymut-mobilizovani-v-iazni-3/
- ^ "В Украине сформировали батальон "Характерники": он состоит из осужденных (фото)". www.unian.net.
- ^ "The Latest in a Long Line: Ukraine's International Legion and a History of Foreign Fighters". Harvard International Review. 2 September 2022.
- ^ Dysa, Yuliia; Balmforth, Tom (8 May 2024). "Ukraine lawmakers back bill allowing some convicts to enlist in army". Reuters. Retrieved 13 May 2024.
- ^ "Ukraine moves to send convicts to the front line — minus the rapists and killers". Politico. 8 May 2024. Retrieved 13 May 2024.