The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine extended the deadline for the return of military personnel to service after the voluntary abandonment of a unit (SZCH). This period now extends to the period until March 1, 2025, without the application of the penalty for desertion. People's deputy Solomiya Bobrovska announced this on her Facebook page.
According to the adopted draft law No. 12076, commanders of military units will have up to 3 days to renew servicemen on duty. Bobrovska noted that this is the last extension of the deadline, and the next time there will be no way to avoid criminal liability for arbitrarily leaving a part.
Earlier, on November 28, 2024, President Volodymyr Zelenskyi signed the law on return to service after the first case of SZH or desertion, which allowed servicemen to return without criminal liability until January 1, 2025.
It is important that reinstatement with all social guarantees is provided only for those who left voluntarily for the first time. Military personnel who return within the specified period will be restored to all social benefits, including payments and security.
The changes were aimed at supporting the existing personnel and ensuring the maximum readiness of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in war conditions.
