The Verkhovna Rada extended the possibility to voluntarily return from unauthorized leave until August 30

The Verkhovna Rada extended the possibility to voluntarily return from unauthorized leave until August 30

Today, April 30, the Verkhovna Rada supported, as a basis and in general, the extension of the period for voluntary return after unauthorized departure from the unit (AWOL) until August 30 of this year. 

As noted by MP Yaroslav Zheleznyak, the bill was supported by 282 votes. 

Main provisions:

• during martial law, the military service of such persons is not suspended, and for those who have left and not returned by the time of termination or cancellation of martial law, military service is suspended from the day following the termination or cancellation of martial law;
• the period of their absence is not counted towards service, and during this time, payments, provisions, and benefits are not provided (this provision was added by the Committee in the decision on the bill);
• the mechanism for voluntary return to service is extended until August 30, 2025. From the moment military service is resumed, such servicemen will have their benefits and social guarantees restored as established by Ukrainian legislation;
• servicemen who have returned can continue their service at the discretion of the commander, even in the event of an open criminal proceeding;
• a serviceman whose military service is suspended or who has unauthorizedly left the service or deserted during martial law does not have the right to benefits, guarantees, and compensations established by law. During this time, the members of his family also lose the right to benefits, guarantees, and compensations they previously enjoyed as members of such a person’s family.