Ukraine Considers Extending Deadline for Military Personnel to Voluntarily Return to Service
In a significant development, First Deputy Head of the Presidential Office, Iryna Vерещук, has revealed that discussions are underway to potentially extend the deadline for military personnel to willingly return to service after voluntarily leaving their units.
Vерещук shared this information on her Telegram channel, stating, "The period for voluntary return to service from unauthorized absences and desertions ends on January 1, 2025. We’re exploring the idea of extending this deadline."
She made these remarks following a multi-agency meeting held on Thursday, focused on veteran affairs and social support for military personnel and their families. The meeting, which involved representatives from the Ministry of Defense, Armed Forces of Ukraine, Military Police, and various combat units, discussed comprehensive solutions to address the issue of self-initiated absences.
One of the key points discussed was the suggestion to prolong the return period, with Vерещук emphasizing that specifics are still being debated. She also noted that this idea is being actively discussed with the Verkhovna Rada‘s Defense Committee, commending the committee’s chairman, Oleksandr Zavitneychy, for his prompt response.
Another important topic was the involvement of recruiters from successful combat units in the reintegration process. Vерещук stressed the need to support and encourage these units in their efforts to bring their personnel back into the fold.
This news comes on the heels of recent legislation aimed at addressing the issue of self-initiated absences and desertion. In August 2024, the Verkhovna Rada decriminalized first-time offenses under certain conditions, followed by a law passed in November that offered military personnel the chance to return to service without facing criminal charges. This amnesty period was set to expire on January 1, 2025.
By mid-December 2024, approximately 8,000 personnel had taken advantage of this amnesty to voluntarily return to service. Earlier this month, a reporting feature for self-initiated absences was also introduced in the "Army+" mobile application.
Source: IRYNA VEREŠČUK (Telegram)
For more context, read: "Desertion in the Ranks: Causes and Solutions"
