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In 2026, Ukraine continues to tackle AWOL (Absence Without Leave) among servicemen, with over 1,700 personnel using new procedures to return to duty. Despite these efforts, large-scale desertion schemes persist, with organizers demanding anywhere from $8,000 to $15,000 to assist military personnel in leaving their posts unlawfully. The Defense Ministry and the Verkhovna Rada are preparing significant changes to the military code to address AWOL and desertion, including new penalties and a drive to bolster the recruitment of foreign soldiers. The complexity of this issue is underscored by recent high-profile cases, including a scheme in Odesa where a TRC official was caught accepting bribes to resolve AWOL cases, reflecting ongoing challenges in eliminating corruption within the military structure.
What is the current procedure for returning to service after going AWOL in Ukraine?
Returning to military service after AWOL involves compliance with the Ukrainian Criminal Code. The procedure requires coordination with authorized officials as outlined in directives from the Armed Forces Commander-in-Chief, facilitating a legal re-entry into active duty under specific conditions.
How prevalent is AWOL among Ukrainian servicemen during the conflict?
Since the full-scale invasion, over 310,000 AWOL cases have been recorded, highlighting a prevalent issue within the Ukrainian Armed Forces. The situation has prompted legislative and procedural changes to address both the root causes and the penalties for unauthorized absences.
What measures are being taken to address AWOL and desertion in Ukraine?
A multi-faceted approach is being undertaken to address AWOL and desertion, including new laws, procedural simplifications for voluntary returns, and targeted actions against corruption within recruitment centers. The goal is to mitigate unauthorized absences while reinforcing military discipline and integrity.
How does corruption influence AWOL and desertion cases in Ukraine?
Corruption significantly impacts AWOL cases, with several schemes exposed where officials profited by facilitating unlawful departures or concealing AWOL instances for money. The government is actively combating such corruption to maintain military discipline and trust.
What are the legal consequences for Ukrainian soldiers who go AWOL?
The legal consequences for AWOL are severe and include potential imprisonment, as evidenced by recent court cases. However, ongoing discussions in the Verkhovna Rada, including proposed draft laws, aim to redefine penalties and introduce opportunities for voluntary returns without criminal liability under specific circumstances.
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NGU servicemen who went AWOL can return to service via Army+ and choose unit themselves National Guard servicemen whose unauthorized absence from unit (AWOL) was recorded up to and including 12 June 2026 can now also use the service return program via Army+. 442 0 Previously in trend: Returning to the Armed Forces after AWOL
"Soldiers have right to choose their unit rather than submit to government’s ’perverse bureaucratic logic,’" - Palamar, deputy commander of "Azov" Battalion, regarding his return from AWOL Sviatoslav (Kalyna) Palamar, deputy commander of the 1st Corps of the Ukrainian National Guard "Azov," called on the Cabinet of Ministers and the Ministry of Defense to radically change the bureaucratic rules regarding the return of military personnel from the AWOL. He is demanding that soldiers... 3 415 13 Previously in trend: Returning to the Armed Forces after AWOL Reforms in the army
Almost 200 servicemen have already submitted requests to return from AWOL via ’Army+’ app, - Fedorov Within a few days of the ‘Quick Return from Unauthorised Absence from Unit’ (AWOL) feature being operational in the ‘Army+’ app, nearly 200 service personnel submitted reports, 51 of which were approved. 1 669 56 Previously in trend: Returning to the Armed Forces after AWOL AWOL in AFU
Already 80 reports in first few days: Ministry of Defence has reported on results of new mechanism for returning soldiers from AWOL The Ukrainian Ministry of Defence has reported initial successes with the new mechanism for the return of servicemen who have left their units without permission (AWOL). In the first few days alone of the so-called ‘return window’, 80 soldiers have already submitted requests to resume service in... 2 087 18 Previously in trend: Returning to the Armed Forces after AWOL AWOL in AFU Reforms in the army
Returning from military service via "Army+": Fedorov presented procedure A comprehensive overhaul of the military service system has begun, introducing new contracts, clear terms of service, higher pay and greater fairness for service personnel. 4 903 66 Previously in trend: Returning to the Armed Forces after AWOL AWOL in AFU
Over thousand servicemen have taken advantage of mechanism for returning to service, - SBI. INFOGRAPHICS The State Bureau of Investigations has announced a new procedure that allows military personnel to return to duty more quickly after leaving their unit without permission. Over 1,700 people have already made use of this procedure. 2 513 9 Previously in trend: Returning to the Armed Forces after AWOL
Large-scale desertion scheme exposed in four Ukrainian regions: organizers charged up to $15,000 – SBI. PHOTO Employees of the State Bureau of Investigation (SBI), together with the Strategic Investigations Department of the National Police, exposed an organized group that helped mobilized service members to leave their places of service without authorization in exchange for money. The scheme operated... 3 013 13 Previously in trend: Evasion from mobilization AWOL in AFU
Soldier from Lviv region was sentenced to five years in prison for repeat offense of AWOL A court in Lviv Oblast has sentenced a serviceman who left his military unit without permission on two occasions. 3 677 16 Previously in trend: AWOL in AFU
Defense Ministry prepares series of decisions for military: changes to mobilization and AWOL, terms of service, payments The Defense Ministry is preparing a number of decisions following a meeting between President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov. 7 912 21 Previously in trend: AWOL in AFU Mobilisation in Ukraine
We are preparing decisions to strengthen infantry, AFU contract system and response to AWOL, Zelenskyy says Ukraine is preparing decisions to strengthen Ukrainian infantry, the army’s contract system, and the response to AWOL cases — "the measures must be the kind that actually work." 5 267 37 Previously in trend: Enemy losses AWOL in AFU
Odesa region district TRC official promised to resolve AWOL issue for $10,000, he was detained. PHOTOS In the Odesa region, law enforcement officers exposed an official of a district Territorial Center for Recruitment and Social Support (TRC and SS) who, for a bribe, promised to help a serviceman avoid liability for absence without leave (AWOL) and assist with employment. 1 423 13 Previously in trend: Grafters AWOL in AFU
Police have detained two soldiers who fled their unit armed and killed two people in Kharkiv region. PHOTOS In the Kharkiv region, law enforcement officers have arrested suspects in the murder of two men in a village. 5 045 11 Previously in trend: Arrest for murder
Shooting in Zaporizhzhia: two soldiers on AWOL attacked police: one attacker is dead, another has been detained, - National Police. VIDEO At around 06:30 on 16 March, a patrol police crew received a call reporting that a man had been assaulted in the Khortytskyi district of Zaporizhzhia, along with an attempted robbery. Upon arriving at the scene, the patrol officers located the complainant, who identified two individuals believed... 15 850 83 Previously in trend: AWOL in AFU
Account freezing and driving bans: Rada discusses new restrictions for evaders and AWOL The Verkhovna Rada is discussing the possibility of introducing additional restrictions for citizens who evade mobilization, as well as for military personnel who have left their military units without permission. 21 495 262 Previously in trend: Evasion from mobilization AWOL in AFU
Plan to solve problems of mobilisation and desertion involves expanding participation of foreigners, - Fedorov A comprehensive plan is being developed to address mobilisation issues and cases of desertion, one of the key elements of which is to increase the participation of foreigners. 11 673 130 Previously in trend: AWOL in AFU Mobilisation in Ukraine
Stole car at training ground and fired at police officers: deserter detained in Rivne region, - National Police. PHOTOS The 49-year-old suspect left the military unit without permission, stole a car from the training ground and went into hiding from the investigation. During a search, police seized prohibited items and substances. 7 980 72 Previously in trend: AWOL in AFU
We are preparing effective solutions to combat AWOL and corruption in TCR, - Budanov. PHOTO Corruption in the TCR and SS systems, as well as in the AWOL in the armed forces, are problems that affect our defence capability. 14 791 186 Previously in trend: Corruption in TCR
After AWOL, soldiers are sent to all combat brigades, including assault units, - General Staff Servicemen who returned to reserve battalions after leaving their units without permission (AWOL) are being sent to all combat brigades that need personnel reinforcements, including the Airborne Assault Troops and assault units. 4 594 52 Previously in trend: Returning to the Armed Forces after AWOL AWOL in AFU Training of soldiers in brigades
Soldiers were warned that it would only be possible to transfer through AWOL to assault troops, - media Ukrainian military personnel have been warned that transferring through the AWOL will become much more difficult. Brigades warn that the General Staff has changed the mechanism for returning from the AWOL. 10 733 119 Previously in trend: Returning to the Armed Forces after AWOL
Prosecutor General’s Office explained disappearance of data on AWOL and desertion from statistics The Prosecutor General's Office confirmed that data on AWOLs and desertions had been deliberately removed from the statistics — the information was restricted due to the risks of its use by Russia in information operations and possible damage to national security. 2 801 9 Previously in trend: AWOL in AFU
Number of AWOL and desertion proceedings surged in 2025 – Prosecutor General’s Office. DOCUMENT Since the start of the full-scale invasion, law enforcement officers have registered more than 310,000 criminal cases of AWOL and desertion. Most of which occurred within the first ten months of 2025. 3 462 19 Previously in trend: AWOL in AFU
Over 21,600 soldiers went AWOL from army in October – Ihor Lutsenko According to official data, more than 21,000 military personnel left the service without permission in October. 26 445 220 Previously in trend: AWOL in AFU
Deserter set up illegal channel to smuggle soldiers abroad in Zaporizhzhia – SBI. PHOTOS In Zaporizhzhia, officers of the State Bureau of Investigation (SBI), in cooperation with the Security Service of Ukraine (SSU), exposed a serviceman who went AWOL and later organized an illegal channel to smuggle other soldiers abroad. 2 500 6 Previously in trend: Illegal border crossing
Armed Forces of Ukraine are forming new brigade from among 150th, despite large number of AWOL, - Commander Filimonov The Armed Forces of Ukraine are currently forming a newly created brigade. At this stage, there are already about 3,000 AWOL there. 50 179 66 Previously in trend: Formation of new brigades in AFU
Nearly 290,000 AWOL and desertion cases opened during full-scale war – Prosecutor General’s Office. INFOGRAPHICS From January 2022 to September 2025, Ukrainian law enforcement agencies opened nearly 290,000 criminal proceedings for absence without leave (AWOL) and desertion. 8 187 126 Previously in trend: AWOL in AFU
Illienko called on Verkhovna Rada to allow return of military personnel from AWOL without court decision The Verkhovna Rada should adopt amendments to the legislation as soon as possible to allow combat units to return to service military personnel who intend to return from AWOL. 7 793 92
Riumshyn charged with 630 cases of AWOL, although most of time he was on training courses and temporary duty, - lawyer The former commander of the 155th Brigade, Dmytro Riumshin, is accused of failing to report facts of military crimes to the State Bureau of Investigation. 2 410 9 Previously in trend: Сase against Colonel Riumshyn
In Riumshyn case, none of military personnel who went to AWOL were interrogated, - lawyer Yosypov In the case files concerning the former commander of the 155th Brigade, Dmytro Riumshyn, who is suspected of mass AWOLs by brigade fighters and covering up such cases, not a single soldier who deserted was questioned. 987 4 Previously in trend: Сase against Colonel Riumshyn
Main reason for AWOL is lack of motivation and clear terms of service, - colonel Riumshyn Former commander of the 155th Brigade Dmytro Riumshyn stated that the reasons for soldiers deserting during training abroad are the same as in Ukraine. 8 259 23 Previously in trend: AWOL in AFU Сase against Colonel Riumshyn
$6,500 for concealing AWOL case: corruption scheme blocked in Khmelnytskyi region. PHOTO Police in Khmelnytskyi have blocked another corruption scheme: a local resident demanded $6,500 in exchange for not reporting a case of AWOL. 1 249 1 Previously in trend: Grafters AWOL in AFU
Servicemen should not be punished for voluntarily returning to military service – Lubinets opposes tougher criminal liability for AWOL Verkhovna Rada Commissioner for Human Rights Dmytro Lubinets has spoken out against draft laws No. 13260 and No. 13452, which increase criminal liability for unauthorized absence from a unit during martial law and for disobeying commanders’ orders. 1 828 20 Previously in trend: AWOL in AFU They want to punish soldiers for disobeying orders
Reshetylova: It’s untrue that soldiers going AWOL are simply tired of war Most cases of AWOL (Absent Without Leave) involve servicemembers who are undergoing military training or being transferred from a training center to a military unit. 10 240 181 Previously in trend: AWOL in AFU
"Service is not slavery": protests in Kyiv against bill that increases penalties for military personnel. PHOTOS On the evening of Friday, 5 September, a protest against draft law No. 13452, which toughens punishment for military personnel for insubordination, takes place on Maidan Nezalezhnosti in Kyiv. Ukrainians are also protesting against draft law 13260, which aims to increase the responsibility of... 15 451 313 Previously in trend: AWOL in AFU They want to punish soldiers for disobeying orders
Liability for AWOL during martial law: Rada passes draft law in first reading In the first reading, the Verkhovna Rada passed bill No. 13260, which provides for tougher punishment for military personnel who leave their units without permission (AWOL) during martial law. 12 372 176 Previously in trend: AWOL in AFU
Over 250,000 AWOL and desertion cases opened during war – Prosecutor’s Office Over the course of the war, more than 200,000 cases have been opened in Ukraine for AWOL, and over 50,000 for desertion. 4 656 60 Previously in trend: AWOL in AFU
Company commander in Dnipropetrovsk region took bribes for concealing fact of AWOL, - National Police. PHOTO A 52-year-old company commander of a reserve battalion of a military unit demanded about 10,000 hryvnias per month for not informing the command about his subordinates' unauthorised departure from the military unit. 5 537 18 Previously in trend: Bribe-takers in military units
Sources in 16th Corps report increase in AWOL cases 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. 8 547 64 Previously in trend: AWOL in AFU
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. 2 391 30 Previously in trend: Returning to the Armed Forces after AWOL
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. 16 546 116 Previously in trend: Death of a Hungarian citizen at the Territorial Recruitment Center
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. 6 532 11 Previously in trend: AWOL in AFU
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. 2 817 12 Previously in trend: Returning to the Armed Forces after AWOL
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. 4 884 9 Previously in trend: AWOL in AFU
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. 10 803 56 Previously in trend: AWOL in AFU
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. 2 176 6 Previously in trend: Returning to the Armed Forces after AWOL AWOL in AFU
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. 2 864 15 Previously in trend: Returning to the Armed Forces after AWOL AWOL in AFU
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). 3 708 8 Previously in trend: Returning to the Armed Forces after AWOL
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. 3 387 29 Previously in trend: 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. 5 205 50 Previously in trend: AWOL in AFU
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