Ukraine's Parliament Weighs Tough New Penalties for Troops Who Desert: What's on the Table.

Debating Stricter Measures for Absent Soldiers

According to TSN.ua: Ukraine's parliament, the Verkhovna Rada, is currently discussing potential crackdowns on service members who go absent without leave (AWOL). However, the legislative bills proposing these restrictions have not yet been formally considered. The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine is analyzing the root causes of military registration violations and exploring possible solutions related to unauthorized unit departures.

Proposed Punishments and Restrictions

Among the proposed changes is an increase in the maximum prison sentence for AWOL from 8 to 10 years. Another idea under discussion would classify absent soldiers similarly to individuals who default on child support payments. This would trigger a set of restrictions, including:

• Limits on banking transactions
• Inability to obtain loans
• Restricted access to administrative services
• Revocation of driving privileges

'We are effectively imposing longer sentences than for some serious crimes. But punishment alone—the 'whip'—won't solve the problem.' — Solomiia Bobrovska

Bobrovska stressed that only after a thorough analysis of the situation can an effective accountability system be built, rather than applying uniform penalties to everyone. She highlighted the importance of examining the link between AWOL incidents and transfers between military units.

In short, the parliamentary discussions go beyond merely toughening punishments; they also focus on identifying the underlying causes and developing solutions to prevent future violations of military discipline. The Ministry of Defense continues to work on these issues, but no concrete decisions have been made yet. How this problem is addressed could significantly impact overall military order and discipline—a critical factor given the ongoing war in the country.