War

How to return from AWOL or desertion: SBI explanation

The State Bureau of Investigation has explained the updated algorithm of actions for servicemen who have left the unit without permission. You can return without consequences if you stayed in the NWC for no more than three days. If the absence lasted more than three days, a criminal case is opened.

This was reported by the Land Forces Command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Komersant ukrainskyi reports.

The updated algorithm of actions for returning after an AWOL or desertion for servicemen came into effect on March 1, 2025.

If the unauthorized leaving of the unit lasted up to 3 days

• criminal proceedings are not initiated;
• the soldier can return to the unit he left;
• upon returning, the payment of cash and the provision of food, clothing, and other types of support are resumed.

If the TTO is more than 3 days

Committed for the first time and the serviceman wishes to return to service:

• criminal proceedings are initiated;

• the serviceman personally applies to the commander (chief) of the military unit (institution) via the Army app and receives written consent to continue serving;
• the serviceman submits a petition to the prosecutor, pre-trial investigation body (SBI or National Police), court about his intention to return to service and attaches a written consent of the commander;
• materials for exemption of such a serviceman from criminal liability are sent to the court, which makes a corresponding decision;
• the serviceman submits the court decision to the commander and returns to service.

The act is repeated or the serviceman does not want to return to service:

• criminal proceedings are initiated;
• the serviceman is searched for and detained;
• a preventive measure is imposed on the serviceman;
• an indictment is sent to the court;
• the court passes a sentence (the sentence for committing WMD is 5 to 10 years in prison).

What preceded it?
Between November 29, 2024, and March 1, 2025, military personnel could return from AWOL under a simplified mechanism. These soldiers were given all their financial benefits and social guarantees, and were released from criminal liability.

This was made possible by amendments to the Law on Military Duty and Military Service. During the three months of the law’s effectiveness, almost 21,100 soldiers returned to the army.

After March 1, soldiers who have left their units without permission will also have to return to service, but the mechanism for their legalization in the unit will be different.

Earlier, the President admitted that in 2024, the number of cases of SJS among Ukrainian servicemen increased. At the same time, he emphasized that in the fall, such cases decreased.