Not all Ukrainian military personnel who deserted can return through a simplified procedure. Some will have to go through the standard process, which may take several months.
This information was reported by RBK-Ukraine citing the press service of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine.
The Ministry of Defense explained that if military personnel deserted after November 29, 2024, they must undergo the general procedure to return to service. This includes:
Only after the court's decision will the soldier begin to be reinstated in service, including the restoration of monetary payments and social guarantees.
"Soldiers who deserted after November 29 may wait several months for their reinstatement. Until that time, they will not receive their salary or other guarantees," emphasized the Ministry of Defense.
Meanwhile, those soldiers who deserted before November 29, 2024, can return to service in just three days. This option will be available to them until March 1 of this year.
To do this, they can submit a report titled "Return to Service after Desertion" in the "Army+" app and attach a recommendation letter from the unit that needs the soldier. Each step of the return process in "Army+" is accompanied by a separate notification, where the serviceman receives information about the next steps.
We remind you that previously, Ukrainian military personnel who deserted for the first time were allowed to return to service. In such cases, they do not face criminal liability.
Detailed information on how soldiers can return from desertion without consequences was explained by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Defense, Dmitry Lazutkin.