About 3,000 servicemen, who previously voluntarily left their places of service, returned to the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the first 72 hours after the new law came into force. The law, signed by the President on November 28, allows return without penalty until January 1, 2025 for those who left the military units before November 29, 2024.
What does the law provide?
The legislation guarantees:
- Contract renewal within 72 hours of return.
- Restoration of social guarantees from the moment of return.
- Providing the serviceman with all the necessary resources.
However, military personnel do not receive pay for the time of absence.
The reaction of the military leadership
Colonel Oleksandr Grynchuk, deputy chief of the Main Department of the Military Law and Order Service of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, emphasized that such changes contribute to increasing the country's defense capabilities. According to him, approximately 40-60% of military personnel who leave units return voluntarily.
"This law is an important step towards restoring discipline and strengthening the army," Grynchuk said.
To implement the law, special working groups have been created in 17 military units that work according to a clear algorithm. Thanks to this, it was possible to return about 6,000 servicemen to service last month.
In addition to work on the return of military personnel, the Military Law Enforcement Service (MLS) is engaged in the prevention of crimes among the military, countering subversive and terrorist acts.
Colonel Bohdan Stolyarchuk emphasized that about 80% of special forces of the Ukrainian Armed Forces constantly perform combat and special tasks, protecting military units and the civilian population.
The new law provides a unique chance to return to the ranks of the army without legal consequences, which contributes to the strengthening of Ukrainian defense. The return of three thousand troops in just three days demonstrates the effectiveness of these changes.
It remains to be hoped that the state will continue to develop mechanisms for the support and rehabilitation of military personnel, providing them with decent service and living conditions.
