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AWOL, or "Absent Without Leave," continues to be a significant issue within Ukraine's military, with multiple high-profile cases reported. Recent court decisions, such as the five-year sentence for a soldier from the Lviv region, highlight strict enforcement. The Defense Ministry is implementing reforms to address mobilization, service terms, and AWOL. President Zelenskyy emphasizes effective measures for managing AWOL. Additionally, corruption related to AWOL has surfaced, with officials in regions like Odesa detained for bribery. Ukrainian authorities aim to counter AWOL through legislative adjustments and enhanced military protocols.

What are the recent changes in Ukraine's AWOL policies?

The Ukrainian government, led by the Ministry of Defense, is rolling out reforms targeting mobilization and AWOL. These changes include stricter enforcement protocols for unauthorized absences from military duty and enhanced procedures for reporting and managing AWOL cases. A key part of the strategy involves addressing issues like morale and service terms to prevent desertions.

How is AWOL affecting the Ukrainian military?

AWOL incidents pose challenges to Ukraine's military cohesion and readiness. Reports indicate a rise in AWOL cases over recent years, prompting reforms and stricter legal measures. The military's response aims to maintain personnel strength and address underlying causes of absenteeism.

What legal measures exist for soldiers who go AWOL in Ukraine?

Ukrainian law enforces strict penalties for soldiers who go AWOL, with court rulings reflecting this. Sentences often include prison terms, underscoring the seriousness of unauthorized absences. Recent legal reforms aim to provide clear procedures for soldiers wishing to return to service without facing criminal penalties under specific conditions.

What efforts are being made to prevent AWOL in the Ukrainian military?

Efforts to prevent AWOL include comprehensive reforms by the Defense Ministry, focusing on improving service terms and addressing morale issues. The government is also tackling corruption linked to AWOL by arresting those involved in bribery schemes to cover up or assist absentees. Public awareness and stricter enforcement are part of the strategy.

How is the issue of AWOL impacting military law enforcement in Ukraine?

AWOL has become a significant focus for military law enforcement in Ukraine. Increased cooperation between law enforcement and military agencies aims to detect and manage cases effectively. Operations have led to the detention of servicemen and officials involved in AWOL-related corruption. This collaboration highlights the commitment to reducing unauthorized absences and ensuring order within the armed forces.

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Photo news AWOL

DBR, evaders 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 in four regions of Ukraine, and the fee for the "service" ranged from US$8,000 to US$15,000 per person. 2 970 13 Previously in trend: Evasion from mobilization AWOL in AFU

Odesa region TRC official detained for $10,000 bribery extortion Odesa region district TRC official promised to resolve AWOL issue for $10,000, he was detained 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. 1 396 13 Previously in trend: Grafters AWOL in AFU

Two soldiers detained in Kharkiv region for double murder Police have detained two soldiers who fled their unit armed and killed two people in Kharkiv region In the Kharkiv region, law enforcement officers have arrested suspects in the murder of two men in a village. 4 983 11 Previously in trend: Arrest for murder

A mobilised soldier stole a car at a training ground and fired at police officers Stole car at training ground and fired at police officers: deserter detained in Rivne region, - National Police 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. 7 957 72 Previously in trend: AWOL in AFU

meeting at Budanov’s office We are preparing effective solutions to combat AWOL and corruption in TCR, - Budanov Corruption in the TCR and SS systems, as well as in the AWOL in the armed forces, are problems that affect our defence capability. 14 728 186 Previously in trend: Corruption in TCR

In Zaporizhzhia, the State Bureau of Investigation exposed a deserter Deserter set up illegal channel to smuggle soldiers abroad in Zaporizhzhia – SBI 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. 2 478 6 Previously in trend: Illegal border crossing

bribe for evading military service $6,500 for concealing AWOL case: corruption scheme blocked in Khmelnytskyi region Police in Khmelnytskyi have blocked another corruption scheme: a local resident demanded $6,500 in exchange for not reporting a case of AWOL. 1 234 1 Previously in trend: Grafters AWOL in AFU

Protests in Kyiv against increased responsibility of soldiers for disciplinary offences "Service is not slavery": protests in Kyiv against bill that increases penalties for military personnel 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 the military for the use of force under martial law. 15 372 313 Previously in trend: AWOL in AFU They want to punish soldiers for disobeying orders

bribes for AWOL Company commander in Dnipropetrovsk region took bribes for concealing fact of AWOL, - National Police 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. 5 506 18 Previously in trend: Bribe-takers in military units

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 A serviceman of a Sumy region unit was sentenced to 7 years in prison for desertion and theft of military equipment. 6 490 11 Previously in trend: AWOL in AFU

Helped military personnel flee abroad. Details from prosecutor’s office Helping military to flee abroad for money: criminal group exposed in Ternopil region In Ternopil region, a criminal group that arranged escapes from military units and transfers abroad for money was exposed. 4 861 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 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. 10 737 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 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. 2 156 6 Previously in trend: Returning to the Armed Forces after AWOL AWOL in AFU

Ministry of Defence discussed problem of AWOL in AFU Ministry of Defence held meeting on prevention of AWOL The Ministry of Defence held an interagency meeting on issues related to unauthorised abandonment of military units (AWOL) by servicemen. 5 187 50 Previously in trend: AWOL in AFU

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 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. 15 316 82

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) 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. 26 734 100