Ukrainian Soldiers Who Go AWOL Face Same Penalties as Child Support Defaulters.

Stricter Punishments for Military Personnel in Ukraine

According to Novyny.live: Ukraine is planning to toughen penalties for soldiers who evade service by equating their offenses with those of individuals who fail to pay child support. The proposed changes specifically target military personnel guilty of service-related crimes. This means that restrictions imposed on absent-without-leave (AWOL) soldiers will mirror those already applied to child support delinquents.

These measures come as Ukraine continues to address discipline and accountability within its armed forces during the ongoing war.

New Rules and Their Impact

Vadym Ivchenko, a member of the Parliamentary Committee on National Security, Defense, and Intelligence, disclosed these developments in an interview with the publication 'Telegraph'. He stated that

“A soldier who goes AWOL will be treated like someone who fails to pay child support. This means a full set of restrictions will be imposed: on banking activities, notarial services, access to administrative services, obtaining loans, and even driving vehicles.”

The planned restrictions will also apply to individuals who violate military registration rules. Ukraine's Defense Minister, Mykhailo Fedorov, is actively working to address issues related to mobilization and draft evasion. Ivchenko clarified that

“Those who failed to update their data, violated military registration, ignored summons, or did not register in the 'Reserve+' system, among other things, will be subject to a separate law.”

As a result, these new legislative initiatives could significantly alter the legal status of service evaders and create substantial hurdles in their daily lives. Stricter punishment aims to enhance accountability among military personnel while also serving as a tool to ensure stability within the army, especially at a time when the country needs to mobilize all resources for its defense. These changes reflect the Ukrainian government's ongoing efforts to reform the military system amid the current wartime environment.