How to Return to Military Service After Unauthorized Absence: Step-by-Step Guide and Current Regulations
In the context of ongoing military operations and mobilization efforts in Ukraine, regulatory procedures concerning military personnel who have left their units without permission or voluntarily have become increasingly relevant.
Such situations often arise from misunderstandings of obligations or life circumstances that force soldiers to abandon their posts, whether temporarily or permanently.
This material explores the detailed procedures for military personnel wishing to re-enter service after a disciplinary separation or unauthorized leave.
According to Ukrainian law, servicemen who have left the military unit without proper authorization can regain their status by following specific steps within a set timeframe.
Specifically, they must, no later than August 30, 2025, personally contact the military law enforcement agencies, reserve battalions, the State Bureau of Investigation, or the National Police, expressing a desire and readiness to continue military service.
A significant tool in this process is the mobile application «Army+», which allows soldiers to submit official reports and receive notifications about their case review status.
Using «Army+», servicemen can quickly and efficiently initiate their return, streamline paperwork, and reduce administrative delays.
Once their application is approved via the app, the soldier has 24 hours to arrive at the designated military unit to formalize their reintegration, receive official enlistment orders, and reorganize within the reserve battalion.
Furthermore, there is a possibility for soldiers to transfer from one military unit to another, which can facilitate their reintegration process in case of relocation or other personal circumstances.
Legally, returning voluntarily after an unauthorized leave may also eliminate the risk of criminal liability, provided this is the first offense.
To do so, military personnel must gather relevant documentation, obtain consent from their commander, and submit applications to law enforcement authorities and judicial units for official clearance.
It is also advisable to verify whether the serviceman’s data is recorded in the Unified Registry of Pretrial Investigations (UPVI) to ensure proper legal procedures are followed.
The law offers a pathway to return to service, emphasizing the importance of legal compliance and administrative processes that serve both national security and individual rights.