Simplified programme for returning from AWOL has been completed, - Ministry of Defence
The simplified return programme from the AWOL for service personnel whose unauthorised absence from their unit was recorded before 12 June 2026 has come to an end.
This was reported by the Ministry of Defence, according to Censor.NET.
What does this mean?
From 20 September onwards, voluntary return from the AWOL will be carried out under the standard conditions – via the Military Law Enforcement Service, reserve battalions, etc.
"This means a longer return process, a longer wait for the resumption of pay, and the inability to choose independently in which unit to continue service," the Ministry of Defence explained.
Where should one turn after voluntary leave?
Servicemen must now contact:
- the Central Directorate of the Military Law Enforcement Service in Kyiv and the Kyiv region or the regional directorates;
- the zonal departments of the Military Law Enforcement Service.
Can you return from AWOL via the Army+ app?
A serviceman can submit a report to return to service via the Army+ app. Reports are processed by the Military Law Enforcement Service (VSP), after which the serviceman is assigned to one of the reserve battalions.
Upon receipt of the request, the Military Law Enforcement Service organises the following:
- co-operation with the serviceman who has submitted a report, verification and clarification of the serviceman’s personal details, as well as the documents required for the continuation of his military service;
- co-operation with the reserve battalion command;
- arrangements for the deployment (escort) of the serviceman to the reserve battalion.
"Once confirmed via Army+, the serviceman has 24 hours to report to the relevant Military Law Enforcement Service unit to receive his orders and proceed to the reserve unit.
At the reserve unit, this serviceman is added to the reserve battalion’s personnel rosters," the Ministry of Defence stated.
Upon arrival at the Military Law Enforcement Service unit
The serviceman is provided with information at the VSP unit about the reserve battalions to which he can return for service. He can also obtain a call-up order to one of these battalions there.
A serviceman may also report to a reserve battalion independently. A list of such battalions can be obtained from the VSP unit.
Reserve battalion
"Upon arrival at a reserve battalion, its commander shall, within three days at the latest, issue an order to include the serviceman on the list of temporarily assigned personnel and assign him tasks.
The commander of the reserve battalion also checks with the law enforcement agencies to ascertain whether information regarding the soldier’s AWOL has been entered into the Unified Register of Pre-trial Investigations.
The commander of the reserve battalion prepares and sends a notification to the commander of the military unit from which the AWOL was carried out, informing them of the serviceman’s arrival at the reserve battalion," the statement reads.
If the serviceman has written consent from the commander of the priority combat unit, this notification specifies the relevant military unit.
Is it possible to return to a unit if you have a letter of recommendation from it?
In accordance with the procedure for the redeployment of Ukrainian Armed Forces personnel, reserve battalion commanders accept and take into account letters of recommendation from combat brigades in need of personnel reinforcement.
However, letters of recommendation from logistical units are not taken into account. Reserve battalion commanders direct such service personnel to military units that are prioritised for recruitment.
Exemption from criminal liability for unlawful use of weapons
A serviceman may be exempted from criminal liability if he has committed desertion for the first time whilst martial law is in force. To this end, he must submit a report and obtain the written consent of the commander of the military unit (reserve battalion) to continue his military service.
It is also necessary to submit a request to the investigating officer, the prosecutor or the court stating their intention to return to military service. The documents for exempting such a service member from criminal liability are forwarded to the court, which then issues the relevant decision.
