“Army” has launched a return program from the Northwest Military District: nearly 200 reports in just a few days
17 June 06:33
The process of reinstating service members who left their units without permission via the “Army” app is already underway. Within a few days of the launch of the new procedure, nearly 200 service members submitted requests to return to duty. This was announced by Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, according to "Komersant Ukrainian"
Of these, 51 requests have already been approved, and the service members have been given the opportunity to continue their service in their chosen units of the Defense Forces.
How the return from temporary leave works via “Army”
The new procedure allows service members to submit a request online, independently select a unit from a specified list, and receive support at every stage of their return to service.
In the “Army” app, a servicemember can:
- select a new unit from the list;
- specify their preferred area of service;
- indicate their experience;
- submit a report online;
- receive support until they are assigned to the new unit.
Once the report is approved, the service member will be able to return to duty in the selected unit.
How many service members have already taken advantage of the program
In just a few days, nearly 200 reports requesting a return from temporary leave have already been submitted through “Army.” Of these, 51 reports have been approved.
This means that some service members have already been able to return to duty not through a lengthy bureaucratic process, but via a simplified procedure that allows them to choose a new unit.
Who can submit a report
Service members whose unauthorized absence from their unit was recorded on or before June 12, 2026, are eligible to participate in the new program.
Reports for reinstatement can be submitted through “Army” through September 20, 2026, inclusive.
The program is temporary and will run for 100 days. After this period ends, the right to independently choose a unit may be lost.
What does “fast track” return from AWOL mean?
In this context, “fast track” refers to a simplified and expedited process for returning to service. Its main purpose is to provide service members with a clear step-by-step guide, the opportunity to choose a unit, and the ability to complete the process without unnecessary delays.
In practice, this should reduce bureaucracy, make the process more transparent, and help those service members who are ready to voluntarily return to duty.
A soldier with the call sign “Gor” has already returned to duty
One of the service members who took advantage of the new mechanism is a soldier with the call sign Gor.
While on administrative leave, he submitted a report via the “Army” app, selected a new unit, and, after approval, returned to duty.
The Ministry of Defense cites his story as an example of how the new procedure works in practice: a soldier independently chooses a unit, submits a report online, and receives support until his return.
Which units can be selected
You can return to a military unit from a specified list within your own structure.
This means that servicemembers of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) can return to AFU units, servicemembers of the State Special Transport Service (SSTS) can return to the SSTS, and servicemembers of the National Guard of Ukraine (NGU) can return to the NGU.
The list includes available Defense Forces units participating in the return program.
Why the program was launched right now
The issue of unauthorized absence from duty remains one of the most sensitive topics for the military during a full-scale war. Some service members are ready to return but need a clear mechanism, a legally defined procedure, and the ability to stay connected to the system.
The new program is designed to give these service members a chance to return to duty through a transparent digital tool.
Where to Go for Advice
For service members planning to return to duty, the Ministry of Defense has set up a hotline: 0 800 605 100.
It is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Details and instructions on returning from the Special Military Service are available on the program’s dedicated website: szch.army.gov.ua.
What happens if you don’t submit a report by September 20
If a service member does not take advantage of the program by September 20, 2026, they may lose the right to choose their unit independently.
After the program ends, reassignment may occur through a different mechanism—via reserve battalions and court proceedings. This may be a longer process without the ability to independently influence the choice of future place of service.
