On 1 March, the period for exemption from liability for servicemen who had left their military unit or place of service without permission but voluntarily returned to the army expired. Between 29 November 2024 and 1 March 2025, 21,100 servicemen who had left their units without permission returned to service.
This was reported by the State Bureau of Investigation.
It is noted that most of the returning soldiers joined the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and the military actively returned to the National Guard and the Border Guard Service.
"The SBI, in cooperation with other law enforcement agencies and the military law enforcement service, ensured a clear procedure for the return of the military. They could report not only to their unit, but also to the SBI, the Military Law Enforcement Service or the National Police. The Ministry of Defence also allowed them to go to one of the 17 designated military units or to one of the 14 reserve companies of the National Guard," the statement said.
Upon arrival at the unit, the serviceman had to submit a report on reinstatement, which launched a clear algorithm for further actions - from paperwork to the resumption of payments.