One Key Condition for Troops Who Left Their Units to Get a Foreign Passport.

Legal Issues Around Abandoning a Military Post

According to Novyny.live: In Ukraine, service members who have left their units without authorization (known as SZCh) can still apply for civilian IDs—including a passport for international travel—as long as they haven’t been placed on a wanted list. This topic has sparked debate among legal experts, because going AWOL is a serious offense that triggers a criminal investigation against the soldier.

Cases of unauthorized absence from a military unit can lead to severe repercussions. Specifically, if a person is listed as wanted in connection with SZCh under Article 407 of Ukraine’s Criminal Code, they will be barred from obtaining a Ukrainian passport for overseas travel.

“If someone is put on a wanted list as part of a criminal case related to SZCh, they will not be able to get a passport for leaving the country,” said lawyer Yevgen Oleksandrovych.

What Options Do Service Members Have?

At the same time, troops from the Armed Forces of Ukraine who have been away for fewer than three days can still return to their unit. Legal expert Yuriy Ayvazyan noted that in Ukraine, it is possible to apply for a foreign passport while in SZCh status, and “there is no separate rule that forbids it.” However, he added that “if a procedural decision related to SZCh has already been made against the soldier, and there are legal grounds to restrict travel, that could affect either the issuance of the passport or the actual ability to cross the border.”

So whether a soldier who left their post can get a foreign passport depends on the specifics of their case—especially whether they have been declared wanted. It is important to understand that SZCh is a serious violation, and its consequences can have a major impact on a service member’s future.

This situation highlights how critical it is for military personnel to follow both discipline and the law. While some may still be able to obtain civilian documents, the fallout from abandoning one’s unit can be severe and may lead to criminal prosecution. Service members need to be fully aware of the risks involved and should seek legal advice to avoid negative outcomes down the road.