The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine stated that servicemen who unauthorized part of (HRC) after November 29, 2024 will not be able to return to the service for a simplified procedure. From now on, their renewal is possible only after a full investigation and court decision.
According to the previously adopted law, the military who for the first time left the military unit have the opportunity to return without criminal liability by March 1, 2025. They can also transfer to another unit. However, this rule applies only to those who implemented the HSC until November 29.
According to the updated standards, the military who left part after that date should go through the following procedure:
- Get the written consent of the commander of the part they left or a backup battalion to which they can be referred.
- Wait for the completion of the investigation of criminal proceedings for their unauthorized leaving part.
- To obtain a court decision on the basis of a prosecutor's request for exemption from criminal liability.
Only then can the military be renewed in service and obtain the restoration of cash payments and social guarantees that were suspended due to its absence. The Defense Ministry stresses that this process may take several months, and prior to its completion, servicemen will not receive financial support.
New rules in response to the challenges of war
Bill No. 12095, approved by the Verkhovna Rada in November 2024, envisaged the possibility of voluntary return for the military who for the first time left part of or even deserted. However, due to cases of re -unauthorized abandoning, the army was forced to review the approach.
In January 2025, Parliament extended the term of such military to March 1, but for those who left part after November 29, no privileges are foreseen.
This rigid position of the Defense Ministry is a response to the challenges of war and the need to maintain discipline in the army. At the same time, experts point to the risks of a protracted bureaucratic process that can be demotivated by servicemen who will still decide to return.
