The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine has adopted bill No. 13177, which maintains a simplified procedure for returning to military service for soldiers who have deserted until August 30, 2025. This decision was supported by 282 members of parliament and aims to provide servicemen with the opportunity to return to the Armed Forces without penalties for their first unauthorized departure from positions during the martial law period.
This is reported by Kyiv24
The law includes several important provisions. In particular, during martial law, the service of soldiers who have deserted does not cease. However, for those who left and did not return by the time it is lifted, their service is suspended from the day after the termination or cancellation of martial law. Their absence is not counted towards their service record, and during this period, they lose payments, provisions, and benefits.
Moreover, servicemen have the right to continue their service at the commander’s discretion even if a criminal case has been initiated against them. At the same time, a soldier who has been suspended or who has deserted during martial law loses the benefits, guarantees, and compensations provided by law. This also applies to their family members, who temporarily lose the corresponding social guarantees.
History of the Law’s Adoption and Its Importance
In January 2025, the Verkhovna Rada had already extended the deadline for the return of soldiers who left their units or deserted, limiting it to March 1, 2025. At the same time, in August 2024, the parliament adopted a law that exempts soldiers from punishment for their first unauthorized departure from their unit if they voluntarily return and obtain permission from their commander.
The law stipulates that during martial law, servicemen who leave their unit for the first time but later return voluntarily have the right to extend their contract. The State Bureau of Investigation emphasizes that soldiers who return voluntarily will be reinstated with all social guarantees.