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The phenomenon of AWOL, or absence without leave, poses significant challenges to the military structure in Ukraine. Recent cases highlight both violent incidents, such as a soldier opening fire in Dnipropetrovsk, and administrative actions like the Ministry of Defence's expanded return programs. Keywords such as "AWOL soldier", "desertion", and "military service return" are crucial in this context. Legal measures are being debated, with severe consequences applied in regions like Zakarpattia, where a grenade incident led to possible imprisonment. There's a focus on returning service members and addressing AWOL systematically through cooperation with the State Bureau of Investigation and legislative updates. Efforts to curb AWOL include exposing corruption and enhancing accountability within military ranks, ensuring a structured approach to dealing with unauthorized absences.
What are the legal consequences of going AWOL in Ukraine?
Military personnel who go AWOL in Ukraine can face severe legal penalties, including imprisonment. The duration of imprisonment can vary depending on the circumstances but can extend up to several years for repeat offenders or those involved in additional criminal activities like violence or theft. The legal system treats AWOL seriously due to its implications on national security.
How is the Ukrainian government addressing the AWOL crisis?
The Ukrainian government is tackling the AWOL crisis through multiple measures. They have introduced programs like the Army+ app to facilitate the voluntary return of AWOL personnel. Legislative efforts are also underway to streamline and strengthen procedures around AWOL, including potential changes to the military service system to increase fairness and motivation among service members.
Can AWOL soldiers in Ukraine return to service without facing legal action?
The Ukrainian Ministry of Defence offers programs allowing AWOL soldiers to return to service without facing legal action, under certain conditions. Specific deadlines and criteria are set, after which soldiers can resume service without criminal liability. These initiatives aim to reintegrate service members into the active roster while maintaining military discipline.
What role does the State Bureau of Investigation play in AWOL cases?
The State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) plays a crucial role in investigating AWOL cases. They work alongside other law enforcement agencies to uncover corruption and unauthorized absence schemes. The SBI conducts thorough investigations to ensure accountability within the armed forces and helps implement legislative measures that address AWOL more effectively.
How are desertion and AWOL statistics handled in Ukraine?
The management of desertion and AWOL statistics in Ukraine can be sensitive due to their potential impact on national security. While specific data may be restricted for strategic reasons, the Prosecutor General’s Office provides general statistics to monitor and strategize solutions for these issues. Efforts continue to ensure transparency and honest reporting where feasible.
TOP news AWOL
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. 50 230 66 Previously in trend: Formation of new brigades in AFU
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. 26 826 100
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. 26 529 220 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. 21 611 262 Previously in trend: Evasion from mobilization AWOL in AFU
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. 19 389 116
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. 16 709 192 Previously in trend: War
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. 16 643 116 Previously in trend: Death of a Hungarian citizen at the Territorial Recruitment Center
Shooting in Zaporizhzhia: two AWOL soldiers 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... 15 952 83 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... 15 487 313 Previously in trend: AWOL in AFU They want to punish soldiers for disobeying orders
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. 15 405 82
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. 14 858 186 Previously in trend: Corruption in TCR
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." 14 354 65
Since start of year, police have received over 1.5 million reports regarding search for citizens evading mobilisation, – Tsutskiridze The police and the Armed Forces of Ukraine discussed cooperation on matters relating to mobilisation, the search for draft dodgers, the detection of abuses during the reservations and the work of MMC, as well as the response to cases of AWOL. 13 054 71 Previously in trend: AWOL in AFU Mobilisation in Ukraine Employee mobilization exemption
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. 12 417 176 Previously in trend: AWOL in AFU
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. 11 891 42
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. 11 753 130 Previously in trend: AWOL in AFU Mobilisation in Ukraine
Beatings, torture through water deprivation and brutal reprisals: What Skelia Regiment does to soldiers who go AWOL - Slidstvo.Info. PHOTO Journalists have revealed facts of torture and beatings of servicemen in the 425th Separate Assault Regiment "Skelia". It involves 3 cases of abuse of soldiers who tried to go AWOL. 11 238 139 Previously in trend: Beating of soldiers Death of the soldiers of the Skelia regiment
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. 10 968 130 Previously in trend: War
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. 10 856 56 Previously in trend: AWOL in AFU
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. 10 779 119 Previously in trend: Returning to the Armed Forces after AWOL
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. 10 289 181 Previously in trend: AWOL in AFU
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. 10 168 49 Previously in trend: War
225th Assault Regiment debunked false reports about "blocking detachments" near Huliaipole and revealed details of events of 2025: 781 soldiers from Territorial Defense Forces went AWOL The 225th Separate Assault Regiment has refuted false claims regarding the existence of "blocking detachments" within the Defense Forces and revealed details about the stabilization of the front near Huliaipole in 2025. 9 436 33 Previously in trend: Fighting in Huliaipole direction
Zelenskyy: Number of AWOLs has been decreasing since autumn The number of cases of unauthorised abandonment of units (AWOL) by servicemen has decreased. 9 025 48 Previously in trend: War
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. 8 577 64 Previously in trend: AWOL in AFU
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. 8 515 54
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. 8 326 126 Previously in trend: AWOL in AFU
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. 8 300 23 Previously in trend: AWOL in AFU Сase against Colonel Riumshyn
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. 8 035 72 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. 8 022 21 Previously in trend: AWOL in AFU Mobilisation in Ukraine
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. 7 830 92
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. 7 470 71 Previously in trend: Returning to the Armed Forces after AWOL
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. 6 585 11 Previously in trend: AWOL in AFU
AWOL soldier opened fire on police officers in Dnipropetrovsk region: two KORD special forces officers were wounded, gunman shot himself. PHOTO In the Dnipropetrovsk region, a man who was on AWOL opened fire on police officers: two KORD officers were wounded. 6 063 79
SBI closed the case concerning the AWOL of soldier Penkalskyi, which had been opened a year after his death The criminal proceedings for AWOL against Junior Sergeant Marian Penkalskyi of the 503rd Separate Marine Battalion, opened a year after his death, have been closed. 5 933 27
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. 5 577 18 Previously in trend: Bribe-takers in military units
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." 5 435 37 Previously in trend: Enemy losses 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. 5 235 50 Previously in trend: AWOL in AFU
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. 4 999 66 Previously in trend: Returning to the Armed Forces after AWOL AWOL in AFU
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. 4 926 9 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. 4 752 60 Previously in trend: AWOL in AFU
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. 4 655 52 Previously in trend: Returning to the Armed Forces after AWOL AWOL in AFU Training of soldiers in brigades
Drunk AWOL soldier opened fire with automatic rifle in Chernihiv region, - police. PHOTO In the city of Bakhmach in the Chernihiv region, law enforcement officers have detained a soldier who opened fire with an automatic rifle from the window of a house. 4 363 51 Previously in trend: AWOL in AFU
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. 3 963 9
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. 3 903 29
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). 3 800 8 Previously in trend: Returning to the Armed Forces after AWOL
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. 3 771 16 Previously in trend: AWOL in AFU
He went AWOL and swam across Tisa River to return and join "Khartiia": story of fighter. VIDEO The soldier went AWOL after six years in the Defence Forces and crossed the border into Romania. However, a year later, he decided to return to Ukraine and continue his service with the ‘Khartiia’ Brigade. 3 771 14 Previously in trend: Returning to the Armed Forces after AWOL
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