About three thousand servicemen who had 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 for return without punishment until January 1, 2025 for those who left 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 necessary resources.
However, military personnel do not receive payments during their absence.
Reaction of the military leadership
Colonel Oleksandr Grinchuk, Deputy Chief of the Main Directorate of the Military Law Enforcement Service of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, emphasized that such changes contribute to increasing the country's defense capability. According to him, approximately 40-60% of servicemen who leave their units return voluntarily.
“This law is an important step towards restoring discipline and strengthening the army,” Hrynchuk noted.
To implement the law, special working groups have been created in 17 military units, which work according to a clear algorithm. Thanks to this, about 6,000 servicemen were returned to service last month.
In addition to working on the return of servicemen, the Military Law Enforcement Service (MLS) is engaged in preventing offenses among the military and countering sabotage and terrorist acts.
Colonel Bohdan Stolyarchuk emphasized that about 80% of the Special Forces Special Forces constantly perform combat and special missions, protecting military units and the civilian population.
The new law provides a unique opportunity to return to the army without legal consequences, which contributes to strengthening Ukraine's defense. The return of three thousand soldiers in just three days demonstrates the effectiveness of these changes.
It remains to be hoped that the state will continue to develop mechanisms for supporting and rehabilitating military personnel, providing them with decent conditions of service and life.
