Ukrainian parliament passes law allowing voluntary return to service for first-time AWOL

Source: Yaroslal Zheleznyak/Telegram

On Wednesday, Ukraine’s Parliament approved bill No. 12095, which enables military personnel who deserted or went AWOL for the first time to voluntarily return to service. The bill garnered the support of 253 lawmakers.

The legislation allows soldiers who deserted once during martial law to resume service if they voluntarily return to their units and express willingness to continue serving. Their military contracts will remain valid, and they will regain access to:

• Financial allowances
• Food and clothing provisions
• Other benefits and social guarantees

In addition, criminal cases initiated under Articles 407 (unauthorized leave) and 408 (desertion) of Ukraine’s Criminal Code will not disqualify these personnel from returning to service or continuing under their contracts.

This step aims to provide a second chance to those who regret their actions, while bolstering Ukraine’s military ranks during a critical time.