The ELF experiment: 7 thousand voluntary returns and hope that more will follow
10 January 10:56
More than 7,000 soldiers have voluntarily returned to the ranks after being AWOL, and almost 4,000 of them have already been assigned to military units. This was reported by the State Bureau of Investigation at the request of the Interfax-Ukraine agency, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports.
As you know, at the end of November 2024, the Verkhovna Rada adopted a law that allows those servicemen who went to the AFU for the first time to return to service, avoiding criminal liability. The soldiers had to do so by January 1, 2025. The day before, this deadline was extended for another two months – until March 1.
“After the adoption of the law, more than 7,000 soldiers who had left their units without permission returned to the army,” the SBI said in a response to the agency’s request.
The agency also informed that more than half of those who returned – 4,396 – have already been officially reinstated in military service.
“3,873 servicemen have already been assigned to military units. As for the rest, the process of resumption and closure of criminal proceedings is underway,” the SBI emphasized.
These are the SBI data as of the end of 2024.
What is the procedure for reinstatement?
According to the law, the commander of a military unit extends the contract or service no later than 72 hours after the date of arrival of the serviceman to the unit, and also resumes the payment of cash, food, clothing and other types of support. Privileges and social guarantees established by the state are restored to servicemen. In addition, the commander (chief) of the military unit is obliged to inform the pre-trial investigation body and the Military Law Enforcement Service about the arrival of the serviceman and the continuation of his service. After that, the procedure for closing the case against the soldier begins.
The deadline for voluntary return from the NWC has been extended
The day before, the Verkhovna Rada adopted a decision extending the deadline for voluntary return from the Eastern Ukraine until March 1, 2025.
“The commander will continue to have 3 days to reinstate the soldier in service, as it was the case for the previous 2 months,” MP Solomiya Bobrovska wrote on her Facebook page.
She also warned everyone who thinks that the draft law will be extended once again. According to her, this will not happen. Instead, in her opinion, the criminalization of the first sabotage is likely to return.
