Commander Sets Conditions for Ukrainian Troops Traveling Abroad on Leave.

Leave Policy for Ukrainian Armed Forces Personnel

According to Novyny.live: Members of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) are permitted to travel abroad during their leave, but unit commanders may request proof of the trip's purpose. Leaves can be either primary or additional, depending on service needs and circumstances. Current law does not mandate providing documents from relatives, though in practice, command often asks for supporting papers that verify the trip's legitimacy and the traveler's intended location.

Service members are entitled to annual leave while serving in the AFU, a key component of their social protections. Family-related leave requires supporting documents, but the law does not specifically require a certificate from relatives. As Yuriy Ayvazyan notes,

“the law does not directly require a certificate from relatives, but in practice, command often asks for additional documents confirming the reality of the trip and the place of stay.”

Procedure for Crossing the Border

In practice, the unit commander and staff handle decisions on a service member's travel abroad, including document checks and issuing the official order. This means the final say rests with the commander, who evaluates all submitted papers and circumstances. Throughout the leave period, full financial compensation is maintained, ensuring financial stability during time off.

Thus, AFU personnel have the opportunity to exercise their right to leave and travel abroad, but they must comply with command requirements regarding proof of the visit's purpose.

This information is crucial for service members planning to travel abroad, as it outlines their rights and obligations during leave. Understanding command requirements helps prevent misunderstandings and ensures smooth approval of leave, which is vital for maintaining troop morale during challenging times. Additionally, the retention of full pay during leave plays an important role in the financial stability of military personnel and their families.