3,000 military personnel returned to the Armed Forces of Ukraine after SZCh in 3 days: how the new law works
Kyiv • UNN
Within the first 72 hours of the new law's implementation, around 3,000 servicemembers returned to duty after AWOL. The law allows those who left their units before November 29, 2024 to return without punishment until January 1, 2025.
About three thousand servicemen who have left their place of service without permission have used the opportunity to return to the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine within the first 72 hours of the new law. This was reported by the Deputy Head of the Main Directorate of the Military Law Enforcement Service of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Colonel Oleksandr Hrynchuk, during a briefing, reports UNN.
Details
According to the new changes to the legislation, military personnel who left their military units without permission before November 29, 2024 can return by January 1, 2025 without punishment. Commanders are obliged to restore their contract within 72 hours after their return, as well as provide them with monetary, food, clothing and other types of support. Social guarantees are renewed immediately upon return, but payments for the time of absence are not accrued.
Colonel Hrynchuk noted that the new law, developed with the participation of the Military Law Enforcement Service, has a positive impact on the country's defense capability. In general, 40-60% of the military who leave their units return voluntarily.
To implement the law, working groups have been created in 17 designated military units, and a clear algorithm of actions for commanders has been approved. Over the past month, about 6,000 military personnel have returned from unauthorized leave (AWOL).
The briefing also discussed other tasks of the Military Law Enforcement Service. In particular, it was about preventing offenses among servicemen, counteracting sabotage and terrorist acts.
Colonel Bohdan Stoliarchuk emphasized that about 80% of the special forces of the Military Law Enforcement Service are constantly performing combat and special tasks. They protect both military units and the civilian population from enemy sabotage.
Reminder
On November 28, the President of Ukraine signed a law on the voluntary return to service for those servicemen who have left their military unit or deserted for the first time.
Later, it became known about the return of 6,000 soldiers.
The State Bureau of Investigation explained the algorithm of actions for conscripts who want to voluntarily return to service after AWOL.
