The Parliament is preparing a new law on AWOL: amnesty or criminal responsibility.

According to ТСН: The Verkhovna Rada is working on a new bill aimed at addressing the issue of AWOL (absenteeism from units), offering both accountability and incentives for returning to military service.

Details of the bill

This was reported by MP Yegor Chernev in his interview.

"We are currently working on a new bill regarding AWOL, which, on one hand, will introduce changes to the Criminal Code and the Criminal Procedure Code. On the other hand, it will include changes regarding the motivation for these individuals to return to the military — there will be a certain probationary period. If you return and diligently fulfill your duties in your position, in your unit for three months, you will be exempt from criminal liability," explained the MP.

Challenges in implementation

Chernev emphasized the importance of finding a balance between the return of servicemen and preventing new cases of AWOL.

He pointed out several reasons that lead to AWOL, such as fear due to inadequate training, fatigue from prolonged service, and lack of rotations in combat units.

"I clearly understand that there are various reasons for such decisions (regarding AWOL — Ed.): from proper basic training, moral and psychological preparation — people are simply afraid — to just the fatigue of people who have been at war for four years," the deputy acknowledged.

Criminal responsibility

At the same time, Chernev stressed that in the case of repeated or systematic AWOL, criminal responsibility will remain.

"If he is AWOL for the third time, then sorry, but criminal responsibility will not disappear," he concluded.

Earlier, the Third Army Corps named the reason for AWOL that is often ignored.

It was also reported that in Ukraine, data on the number of AWOL cases and desertions was classified.

The introduction of changes in legislation aims not only to improve conditions for servicemen but also to reduce cases of desertion. How effectively the new approach will influence the return of military personnel to service will be shown in time. After all, military service in Ukraine still faces potential challenges that require careful consideration by the state.