Return after AWOL: New Algorithm of Actions for Military Personnel Revealed.

The State Bureau of Investigations has clearly explained the new algorithm of actions for military personnel who have deserted their units. According to 'Hlavkom', this was stated by the Command of the Ground Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

From now on, military personnel who commit unauthorized leave must follow the new return algorithm. According to information from the Command of the Ground Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, if a serviceman was absent without leave for no more than three days, he can return without consequences.

However, if the unauthorized absence lasted more than three days, a criminal proceeding begins. The new algorithm for returning after unauthorized absence or desertion comes into effect on March 1, 2025.

If the unauthorized absence lasted up to 3 days:

• No criminal proceeding is initiated;
• The serviceman can return to the unit he left;
• Upon return, monetary payments and supplies of food and other goods are restored.

If the unauthorized absence lasted more than three days and this is the first occurrence:

• A criminal proceeding is initiated;
• The serviceman personally contacts the commander of the military unit through the 'Army+' app and receives written consent to continue service;
• The serviceman submits an application to the prosecutor or the pre-trial investigation body with the intention to return to service and attaches the written consent of the commander;
• Materials regarding the release of the serviceman from criminal liability are sent to the court, which decides the issue;
• The serviceman presents the court's decision to the commander and returns to service.

If the unauthorized absence lasted more than three days and this is a repeated occurrence or the serviceman does not wish to return to service:

• A criminal proceeding is initiated;
• The serviceman is sought and detained;
• Preventive measures are applied to the serviceman;
• The indictment is prepared;
• The court will deliver a verdict (for unauthorized leave, imprisonment of 5 to 10 years is provided).

During this week, more than 300 military personnel who had deserted their units submitted applications for return to the military through the 'Army+' app.

The majority of cases of unauthorized leave by military personnel occur not at the front but in training centers. Fewer cases of unauthorized leave are recorded in combat units.

Earlier, the Verkhovna Rada passed a law on voluntary return to service for those who have deserted or been absent without leave for the first Time. During martial law, servicemen who have deserted for the first time but returned voluntarily and expressed their readiness to continue military service will have their military service and contract extended.