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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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TOP news AWOL

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. 1 461 12

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

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

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. 3 882 9

The Office of the Prosecutor General explained why statistics on military offences disappeared 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. 2 733 9 Previously in trend: 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

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

The lawyer shared details of Colonel Riumshyn’s case 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. 2 353 9 Previously in trend: Сase against Colonel Riumshyn

Armed Forces of Ukraine 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. 7 843 21 Previously in trend: AWOL in AFU Mobilisation in Ukraine

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. 2 598 9

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). 3 657 8 Previously in trend: Returning to the Armed Forces after AWOL

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. 3 676 8

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. 2 122 8

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. 3 046 7 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. 2 417 7

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

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

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. 1 428 5

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. 2 945 5

Riumshyn’s case. Soldiers who went to the AWOL were not interrogated. 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. 955 4 Previously in trend: Сase against Colonel Riumshyn

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

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