| Unit Name: | Kharakternyky Battalion |
| Native Name: | Батальйон Характерники |
| Dates: | 2024 – Present |
| Type: | Penal battalion |
| Role: | Assault troops[1] |
| Size: | 400–800 |
| Nickname: | The Magicians Characterniks[2] |
| Colours Label: | --> |
| Battles: | Russian Invasion of Ukraine |
| Current Commander: | Unknown |
| Commander2 Label: | Notable Commanders |
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]
The battalion was formed in 2024 after a bill was passed and then signed into law by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky which allowed for the mobilization of convicts into the Ukrainian Army.[6]
Like with the Russian Storm-Z and Storm-V units, the Kharakternyky Battalion's members are recruited from prisons on the premise that successful service would result in a deduction of their sentence.[7] Prisoners who are barred from recruitment include those convicted of the murder of two or more people, rape, sexual violence, terrorism and treason.[8] If a member of the battalion would attempt to desert or retreat without authorisation, an additional 5 to 10 years would be added to their sentence.[9]
The battalion was reported to have 400 to 800 members.[10] The battalion is attached to the 24th Mechanized Brigade.[11] [12]