Quantitative data and indicators characterising the state of Ukraine’s prison system. Statistical reports on the number of convicted persons and prisoners, the breakdown of offences, mortality rates in prisons, and other official information. These materials assist in conducting an objective analysis of trends, assessing the effectiveness of reforms and monitoring developments in the field of the execution of sentences.
Prisoners and Convicts in Ukraine in 2025. Statistical Overview
© “Donetsk Memorial”
The annual review by the “Donetsk Memorial” records a reduction in Ukraine’s prison population to 34,925 persons across 86 facilities as of the beginning of 2026. The document analyses parole, mortality, morbidity, and systemic violations of prisoners’ rights against the backdrop of the ongoing armed conflict
The Penal System of Ukraine in 2024. A Statistical Overview
As of 1 January 2022, 48,251 people were held in places of detention within the penal system of Ukraine. In 2021, the number of people in places of detention decreased by 1,572.
The Penal Enforcement System of Ukraine in 2023. A Statistical Overview.
As of 1 January 2024, 44,024 persons were held in the places of deprivation of liberty of the penal enforcement system of Ukraine. During 2023, the number of persons in places of deprivation of liberty increased by 1,298.
The Penal System of Ukraine in 2022. A Statistical Review
As of 1 January 2023, 42,726 people were held in penal facilities within the Ukrainian correctional system. Over the year, the number of people in custody decreased by 5,525.
The Penal System of Ukraine in 2021. A Statistical Review
As of 1 January 2022, 48,251 people were held in detention facilities of the penal system of Ukraine. In 2021, the number of people in detention facilities decreased by 1,572.
The Penal System of Ukraine in 2020. Statistical Overview.
As of 01.01.2021, 49,823 persons were held in places of detention within the penal system of Ukraine. During 2020, the number of persons in places of detention decreased by 3,040.
The Penal System of Ukraine in 2019. Statistical Overview.
As of 01.01.2020, 52,863 persons were held in places of detention in Ukraine, of whom 35,361 were convicted. Over the year, the number of prisoners decreased by 2,215. The number of prisoners per 100,000 population is 142. During 2019, 517 persons died in penal institutions, and 51 suicide cases occurred.
The Penal System of Ukraine in July 2018: A Statistical Overview
In the first half of 2018, the number of prisoners in Ukraine continued to decline, and there were fewer suicides and deaths; however, the number of inmates in pre-trial detention centres is increasing.
Activity of the Penal System of Ukraine in 2015
As of 1 January, 69,997 people were held in the institutions of the State Penitentiary Service of Ukraine. The number of prisoners per 100,000 population was 164. The number of life-sentenced prisoners reached 1,536. During 2015, 510 people died in colonies and pre-trial detention centres.
The Prison System of Ukraine: Results of the First Half-Year
The number of persons in custody in Ukraine continues to decline steadily
Record Decrease in the Number of Prisoners in Ukraine
The year 2013 was marked by an unprecedented decrease in the number of persons in the country's penitentiary institutions
The Penal System in the First Half of 2013: Statistics
In the first half of 2013, the State Penitentiary Service of Ukraine continued to see a significant decrease in the number of individuals within the country’s penitentiary institutions; the number of occupants in pre-trial detention centres reached an unprecedented minimum.
Behind bars – and never returned
The number of suicides in penitentiary service institutions is rising rapidly
The Penitentiary System in 2012: Statistics
As of 01.01.2013, 147,112 people were being held in the 182 places of detention of the State Penitentiary Service of Ukraine (as of 01.01.2012 – 154,029 people). Over the year, the number of people in places of detention decreased by 6,917 (- 4.49%)
Women in places of detention
Statistical data on the composition of convicted women and trends in their numbers from 1994 to 2012. Preliminary version
The Penal System in the First Half of 2012: Statistics
In the first half of 2012, an uncertain trend towards a decrease in the number of individuals in the country’s penitentiary institutions continued within the State Penitentiary Service of Ukraine — exclusively due to a reduction in pre-trial detention centres.
THE PENAL SYSTEM IN 2011: STATISTICS
As of 01/02/2012, in 183 places of detention of the State Penitentiary Service of Ukraine, there were 153,430 people (on 01/01/2011 - 154,027 people). Over the year, the number of people in places of detention decreased by 597 people (- 0.39%).
The Penal System in the first half of 2011: statistics.
Half-year results: the number of prisoners increased by 3.9%, suicides - by 22%, and mortality - by 45%.
Prisoners and Convicts in Departmental Institutions: 2010 Statistics
The following statistical data relate to the number and composition of convicts serving sentences in penal correction institutions in 2010
The number of prisoners is increasing. Ukraine’s prisons in the first half of 2010
Over the half-year of 2010, the number of people held in places of detention increased by 3,008 people (+2.04%) and amounted to 150,724 people as of 01/07/2010. The trend towards an increase in the prison population, which emerged in 2009, continued in the first half of 2010.