Ukraine does the same thing, releasing prisoners early into their military
https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2022/02/27/7326457/
Not the same thing, a different type of prisoner, all ex-military with “real combat experience”, in small numbers and not released as mercenaries to a mercenary/war crimes/for-profit group.
This concession was made for a small nation being invaded and crushed by the world’s #2 Army that is coming from right next door.
“”He said: “Ukrainians with real combat experience will be released from custody and will be able to compensate for their guilt in the hottest spots.
“All sanctions against some individuals who participated in the Anti-Terrorist Operation will be lifted. The key thing now is defence.”