Alcatraz Battalion
| Special Rifle "Alcatraz" Battalion | |
|---|---|
| Батальйон Алькатрас 93 бригади | |
 Battalion insignia | |
| Active | July 2024[1] – present |
| Country |  Ukraine |
| Branch |  Ukrainian Ground Forces |
| Type | Shkval Battalion |
| Size | 250 |
| Garrison/HQ | Cherkaske, Dnipropetrovsk Oblast |
| Nickname(s) | 'Alcatraz' (Official) |
| Engagements | Russian Invasion of Ukraine |
| Commanders | |
| Current commander | Commander "Validol"[2] |
The Special Rifles Alcatraz Battalion is a penal battalion currently operating as part of the 93rd Mechanized Brigade "Kholodnyi Yar" on the eastern front of the Russo-Ukrainian war. Fighting in the Pokrovsk, Kurakhove and Chasiv Yar.[3] areas of the Donetsk regions under Commander Validol, the battalion consists of prison inmates who have volunteered to serve militarily, prematurely ending their sentences. Selection for recruits began in July 2024, by August the battalion was engaging in missions.
Since December 2024, Canadian volunteer April Huggett has been serving as a combat medic and PR officer for the Alcatraz Battalion.[4]
References
[edit]- ^ "How Former Prisoners Prepare for the Frontline". frontliner.ua/. February 26, 2025. Retrieved April 15, 2025.
- ^ "Komandir Bataljonu Alkatras Rozpoviv ak u Doneckij Oblasti Vouut Kolisni Uvazneni". 112.ua/. February 6, 2025. Retrieved April 15, 2025.
- ^ "Prisoners swap cells for battlefield to bolster Ukraine's army". elpais.com/. March 25, 2025. Retrieved April 16, 2025.
- ^ "A Canadian combat medic in Ukraine: 'I looked at my children and thought I had to do something'". elpais.com/. March 28, 2025. Retrieved April 15, 2025.