The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine announced that servicemen who voluntarily left the unit (SZCh) after November 29, 2024, will not be able to return to service under a simplified procedure. From now on, their reinstatement is possible only after a full investigation and a court decision.
According to a previously passed law, servicemen who left a military unit for the first time have the opportunity to return without criminal liability until March 1, 2025. They can also transfer to another unit. However, this rule only applies to those who completed their military service before November 29.
According to the updated regulations, military personnel who left the unit after this date must undergo the following procedure:
- Obtain written consent from the commander of the unit they left or the reserve battalion to which they may be assigned.
- Wait for the completion of the investigation into the criminal proceedings regarding his unauthorized departure from the unit.
- Obtain a court decision based on the prosecutor's request for exemption from criminal liability.
Only after this can the serviceman be reinstated and receive the restoration of cash payments and social guarantees that were suspended due to his absence. The Ministry of Defense emphasizes that this process may take several months, and until it is completed, the servicemen will not receive financial support.
New rules in response to the challenges of war
Bill No. 12095, passed by the Verkhovna Rada in November 2024, provided for the possibility of voluntary return for servicemen who had left their unit for the first time or even deserted. However, due to repeated cases of desertion, the army was forced to reconsider its approach.
In January 2025, parliament extended the deadline for the return of such servicemen until March 1, but no benefits are provided for those who left the unit after November 29.
This tough stance by the Ministry of Defense 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 lengthy bureaucratic process, which may demotivate servicemen who still decide to return.
