In the SBI told how much time the military has to return from AWOL

In the SBI told how much time the military has to return from AWOL

According to the new law, military personnel who have left their unit without permission (AWOL) and deserted have one month to return to service and avoid criminal liability. They can do this until January 1, 2025.

This was reported by the advisor to the Director of the State Bureau of Investigation (SBI), Tetyana Sapyan, during a broadcast of the telethon "United News." She also explained the procedure for returning from AWOL.

The SBI representative emphasized that the law №12095, passed on November 21, is designed to create opportunities for military personnel who left AWOL or deserted to return to service "without guilt and conflicts with Ukrainian law."

"If you left AWOL as a military service member, you have the opportunity to return to the military unit from the end of November until January 1 of the new year, that is, within a month. Upon returning to the place of service, the commander has 72 hours to extend the contract or reinstate you in service," Sapyan noted.

She indicated that in the case of timely voluntary return to service, military personnel will have their financial, food, and material benefits restored, as well as privileges and social guarantees.

"When the military personnel return to their military unit, they are obliged to inform the pre-trial investigation body or the military law enforcement service that they have returned to defend the borders of Ukraine. This is the current procedure," the SBI spokesperson pointed out.

According to Sapiyan, criminal proceedings for unauthorized leave of unit or desertion will be closed for those military personnel who return from AWOL. She also added that "maximum prerequisites" would be created for military personnel to return to service.

As for those who do not return by January 1, 2025, procedural actions will be taken. Military personnel who do not take advantage of this compromise face 5-7 years of imprisonment.