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AWOL

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AWOL incidents among Ukrainian military personnel remain significant in 2025. The government has implemented a simplified procedure for military personnel who went AWOL before May 2025, allowing voluntary return by August 30 without criminal liability. This move aims to encourage servicemen to continue their service and address issues contributing to AWOL cases. Law enforcement, including the SBI and the Ministry of Defence, actively work on investigations and legal matters, such as the recent sentencing of a soldier in Sumy region for AWOL and theft of military equipment. Publicized cases, like the detained soldiers and the exposure of illegal transition groups, highlight ongoing challenges. Comprehensive measures, continuous monitoring, and supportive policies are vital as the Ukrainian military navigates this complex landscape.

What is the current procedure for soldiers returning from AWOL?

The current procedure allows soldiers to return from AWOL without facing criminal charges if they voluntarily return by a set deadline. The Ukrainian Ministry of Defence and other military agencies have outlined these procedures, which include applying through Army+ or reporting to their units for reintegration. The legislation is supported by the Verkhovna Rada's initiatives to extend deadlines and facilitate a return to service, ensuring military readiness and accountability.

What contributed to the increase in AWOL cases in Ukraine?

Several factors contribute to the rise in AWOL cases within the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Challenges include low morale, inadequate leadership, difficult living conditions, and the psychological impact of prolonged conflict. Survey data also suggest that the low professional competency of commanders can drive soldiers to leave their posts unauthorized. Addressing these issues requires focused improvements in military support structures and leadership training.

How have the Ukrainian authorities responded to AWOL incidents?

Ukrainian authorities have responded to AWOL cases with a comprehensive strategy that includes legal actions, procedural adjustments, and supportive measures. The State Bureau of Investigation and Military Law Enforcement Service actively pursue cases, while the Ministry of Defence prioritizes prevention and improved reintegration processes. The introduction of the Army+ application and legislative changes aim to streamline soldiers’ return to duty and enhance overall military resilience.

Are there specific regions in Ukraine with higher AWOL cases?

Specific regions, such as the Sumy and Zakarpattia areas, have been highlighted in recent reports concerning AWOL incidents. For instance, a soldier in the Sumy region faced imprisonment for theft and unauthorized leave, while allegations of mistreatment linked to AWOL have emerged in Zakarpattia. These instances underscore the complex socio-military dynamics in various parts of Ukraine, necessitating region-specific interventions by military and governmental authorities.

What legal consequences do soldiers face for going AWOL in Ukraine?

Legal consequences for AWOL can vary depending on circumstances and legal reforms. Typically, AWOL and desertion cases are addressed by military law under the Ukrainian Criminal Code. However, recent legislative changes and directives have created pathways for voluntary return without criminal liability before specified dates. Continued AWOL may result in court-mandated penalties, including imprisonment and loss of military benefits, amplifying the focus on timely compliance and voluntary reintegration efforts.

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News AWOL

afu Sources in the 16th Corps report strengthening of AWOL in support units Instead of mobilisation, which is practically non-existent, the command of the 16th Army Corps solves the problem of manpower shortages by transferring people from among the units. There has been no replenishment in the support units for almost a year. 8 165 64 Previously in trend: AWOL in AFU

military,awol Military who first went AWOL can return without criminal liability until 30 August - SBI Service members who have voluntarily left their posts without authorization for the first time may return voluntarily by August 30, 2025, without facing criminal liability. 2 190 30 Previously in trend: Returning to the Armed Forces after AWOL

Hungarian dies at TCR allegedly after beating: Ukrainian Armed Forces respond Ground Forces on Hungarian’s death after alleged "beating at TCR": man was mobilized into Armed Forces and went AWOL The Ukrainian Ground Forces Command responded to reports about the alleged death of Hungarian citizen Yosyp Shebeshten (referred to as József Shebesztyén in Hungarian media) following a beating at a TCR in Zakarpattia. 16 149 116 Previously in trend: Death of a Hungarian citizen at the Territorial Recruitment Center

Soldier stole an armoured personnel carrier and fled in Sumy region Soldier who stole APC and fled was sentenced to 7 years in prison in Sumy region, - SBI. PHOTOS A serviceman of a Sumy region unit was sentenced to 7 years in prison for desertion and theft of military equipment. 6 294 11 Previously in trend: AWOL in AFU

Return from AWOL. How long will the simplified procedure last? Simplified procedure for returning from AWOL will remain in effect until 30 August, - Ministry of Defence Military personnel who left for the AWOL before 10 May 2025 have the opportunity to return to the Defence Forces under a simplified procedure until 30 August. 2 641 12 Previously in trend: Returning to the Armed Forces after AWOL

Helped military personnel flee abroad. Details from prosecutor’s office Helping military to flee abroad for money: criminal group exposed in Ternopil region. PHOTOS In Ternopil region, a criminal group that arranged escapes from military units and transfers abroad for money was exposed. 4 730 9 Previously in trend: AWOL in AFU

Two military personnel who went AWOL were detained Two servicemen who went AWOL detained – Military Law Enforcement Service. PHOTO During a search operation for servicemen who had abandoned their military unit without authorization, representatives of the Military Law Enforcement Service, together with officers of the National Police, located and detained two servicemen. 10 570 56 Previously in trend: AWOL in AFU

Returning from AWOL to the Armed Forces of Ukraine: the Ministry of Defence explains the procedure Defense Ministry explains procedure for returning to service after AWOL. INFOGRAPHICS Returning to military service after AWOL (absent without leave) is carried out in accordance with the Criminal Code of Ukraine and the Procedure for actions by authorized officials, as outlined in a special directive from the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. 1 996 6 Previously in trend: Returning to the Armed Forces after AWOL AWOL in AFU

Voluntary return from AWOL. Term extended Rada extends deadline for voluntary return from AWOL until 30 August 2025 The Verkhovna Rada has voted in favour of draft law No. 13177 on the settlement of certain issues regarding the military who have left the military unit without authorization. 2 699 15 Previously in trend: Returning to the Armed Forces after AWOL AWOL in AFU

AWOL and desertion. The SBI explained how to return How to return after AWOL or deserting: SBI explains updated procedure As of 1 March 2025, an updated procedure has come into effect for servicemembers who have gone AWOL (Absent Without Leave). 3 406 8 Previously in trend: Returning to the Armed Forces after AWOL

AWOL during training in the UK: how many Ukrainian soldiers escaped Less than 1% of more than 52,000 AFU servicemen went AWOL during exercises in Britain - media As part of the Interflex program, the United Kingdom has trained more than 52,000 Ukrainian soldiers to participate in the Russian-Ukrainian war. Among them, less than 1% of the soldiers went AWOL. 3 159 29 Previously in trend: AWOL in AFU

Ministry of Defence discussed problem of AWOL in AFU Ministry of Defence held meeting on prevention of AWOL. PHOTOS The Ministry of Defence held an interagency meeting on issues related to unauthorised abandonment of military units (AWOL) by servicemen. 5 009 50 Previously in trend: AWOL in AFU

Reports through Army Plus: how many military submitted reports in a week Over week, Ministry of Defense received more than 300 applications for returning from AWOL through "Army+" During the week, more than 300 servicemen who went AWOL filed applications to return to the army through the Army+ application. 863 14

Hnezdilov released from liability for AWOL Soldier Hnezdilov, who publicly went for AWOL, released from criminal liability. VIDEO A soldier of the 56th Separate Motorised Infantry Brigade, Serhii Hnezdilov, who publicly left the unit without permission in September 2024, was released from criminal liability by the court. 11 673 42

SBI to serve notice of suspicion to former 155th Brigade commander Riumshyn Servicemen of 155th Brigade told commander about AWOL, but he did nothing - SBI The subordinates of the 155th Brigade commander informed him about the facts of the AWOL, but he did nothing in this direction. 8 282 54

90% of servicemen who returned from the AWOL continue to serve Why do military go AWOL and under what conditions are they ready to return - survey results "Volunteer fighters are just as susceptible to AWOL as those forcibly conscripted. One of the key factors contributing to AWOL is the low professional competency of commanders." 13 971 65

90% of servicemen who returned from the AWOL continue to serve Up to 90% of servicemen who voluntarily returned from AWOL are already serving in units - Military Law-Enforcement Service Most of the soldiers who decided to continue their service after the AWOL have returned to their military units and are on active duty. 1 339 12

More than 7,000 servicemen voluntarily returned to the Armed Forces after AWOL More than 7 thousand servicemen voluntarily return to service after AWOL - SBI As of the end of 2024, more than 7,000 servicemen voluntarily returned to the army after going AWOL. 1 992 8

Verkhovna Rada supports law on recognition of volunteers’ competences Rada extends deadline for voluntary return to service after AWOL The Verkhovna Rada has decided to extend the deadline for voluntary return to service for military personnel who have left their units without permission until 1 March 2025. 3 571 8

SBI detains commander of one of the companies of the 155th Brigade, who went AWOL and incited his fighters to do so He went AWOL and incited fighters to do so: Commander with 155th Brigade detained in Rivne region - SBI. PHOTO Law enforcement officers detained and notified the commander of one of the companies of the 155th Separate Mechanized Brigade "Anna of Kyiv" of suspicion, who not only went AWOL but also incited his subordinate soldiers to do so. 15 175 82

Hnezdilov, who went to the public AWOL, will remain in custody Court remanded in custody serviceman Hnezdilov, who publicly went AWOL On Monday, January 6, the Pecherskyi District Court of Kyiv extended the preventive measure for Serhii Hnezdilov, a soldier of the 56th Separate Motorized Infantry Brigade, who publicly went AWOL in September 2024. 3 444 13

Army+ About 30 thousand reports from military on transfer between units filed in "Army+", - Chernohorenko About 30,000 applications for transfer between units have already been submitted by military through the "Army+" app. 2 475 9

Zelenskyy Zelenskyy: Number of AWOLs has been decreasing since autumn The number of cases of unauthorised abandonment of units (AWOL) by servicemen has decreased. 8 776 48 Previously in trend: War

SBI launches investigation into massive AWOL of 155th Brigade name after Anna of Kyiv in France SBI launches investigation into massive AWOL in 155th "Anna of Kyiv" brigade following media reports The State Bureau of Investigation has launched an investigation into the abuse of power and desertion in the 155th mechanized brigade "Anna of Kyiv" following an investigation published in the media. 18 938 116

military, armed forces Servicemen who returned from AWOL will receive payments again after order to enlist in reserve battalion - Military Law Enforcement Service Servicemen who voluntarily returned to their military unit from the AWOL will continue to receive payments and allowances. The resumption of all payments and allowances will take place after the official order to enlist in the reserve battalion. 3 716 9

Army+ Military can apply for return to service after AWOL through Army+ - Chernohorenko On Wednesday, December 18, the Army+ application launched a feature that will allow a serviceman to submit a report for reinstatement after an absence without leave (AWOL). 1 050 22

Over 3,000 servicemen voluntarily returned to service after the AWOL in a week Over 3 thousand servicemen voluntarily returned to service after AWOL in week – Prosecutor General’s Office Since 29 November, more than 3,000 servicemen have voluntarily returned to military service after the first AWOL due to the law that renews social guarantees, benefits, food, money and material support. 1 629 28

How many servicemen will return from AWOL More than 6 thousand servicemen will return to service after AWOL – Military Law Enforcement Service More than 6,000 servicemen will return to duty after AWOL from their units. 1 318 5

AFU Prosecutor’s Office: 4 thousand servicemen apply to return to service after AWOL Since the entry into force of the amendments to the legislation on the AWOL, almost 4 thousand servicemen have already filed relevant petitions. 3 105 22 Previously in trend: War

Returning to service after AWOL Servicemen who voluntarily return from AWOL by 1 January will be reinstated with all social guarantees - SBI Servicemen who voluntarily return to service before 1 January 2025 will be reinstated with all social guarantees. 3 441 30

The military has until January 1 to return from the AWOL Military have time until January 1 to return from AWOL - SBI Military personnel who have gone AWOL from their place of service for the first time have until 1 January 2025 to return without incurring criminal liability. 9 984 49 Previously in trend: War

Returning to service after an AWOL or desertion: Zelenskyy signed the law Zelenskyy signs law on voluntary return to service after first AWOL or desertion President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has signed Law No. 12095 on voluntary return to service for those who have gone AWOL from a military unit or deserted for the first time. 3 711 29

зсу, сзч K-2 Battalion of 54th SMB says it will accept soldiers for service after AWOL The K-2 battalion of the 54th Separate Mechanized Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine has announced that it is accepting soldiers who have gone AWOL from their previous place of service. 2 895 7 Previously in trend: War

сзч In two days, 47th SMB received almost one hundred applications from soldiers who want to return after AWOL Over the past two days, the 47th Separate Mechanized Brigade has received almost a hundred applications from soldiers who want to return after AWOL. 2 872 5

53 та 47 ОМБр закликали військових повернутися на службу після СЗЧ 53rd and 47th SABs call on servicemen to return after AWOL The 53rd and 47th Separate Mechanised Brigades appealed to the soldiers who had left their units without permission to return to service. 10 705 130 Previously in trend: War

сзч In October, courts issued about 100 decisions not to imprison military for AWOL - SBI In October, courts in five regions of Ukraine issued about a hundred decisions not to imprison servicemen who had gone AWOL for the first time, but to allow them to return to service. 2 307 7

військовий ЗСУ There is tendency to increase number of cases of AWOL - Supreme Court Chief Justice Kravchenko Chief Justice of the Supreme Court Stanislav Kravchenko notes a tendency to increase the number of registered cases of AWOL, desertion and failure to comply with orders. 16 436 192 Previously in trend: War

Військовий квиток Mobilized man dies in Rivne hospital: relatives suspect he was beaten, OC "West" says he committed AWOL and was outside military unit for 3 days before his death (updated). DOCUMENT On 22 October 2024, Yurii Protsyk, who was mobilised on 16 October, died in a hospital in Rivne. His family suspects that he was beaten, which could have been the cause of his death. 26 553 100

Статистика Офісу Генпрокурора зареєстрованих випадків СЗЧ і дезертирства за 2022–2024 роки Since beginning of 2022, almost 60 thousand criminal proceedings on AWOL have been registered - Prosecutor General’s Office. INFOGRAPHICS The Prosecutor's Office has registered almost 60,000 criminal offenses for unauthorized abandonment of a unit (AWOL) and about 30,000 for desertion since January 2022. 3 307 14