As of September 21, 2026, a new procedure for the return of military personnel to service after unauthorized absence (AWOL) has taken effect in Ukraine. The simplified program, which was in force until September 20, 2026 (inclusive), has officially ceased to apply. The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine announced this, clarifying to service members what steps must be taken to regularize their status. The return process is now carried out exclusively under the general procedure, which means longer document processing times, no ability to choose a military unit on one's own, and a longer period for the restoration of pay.

Who Managed to Use the Simplified Procedure

The simplified return program was available to service members whose unauthorized absence was recorded before June 12, 2026. Under this procedure, a service member could independently choose a military unit to continue serving in, and the paperwork process was significantly shortened compared to the general procedure. With the program's conclusion on September 20, 2026, all service members who have not yet returned to duty are required to follow the standard procedure established by Ukrainian legislation under martial law.

Step-by-Step Return Procedure from AWOL Starting September 21

To return to military service, a service member must contact the bodies of the Military Law Enforcement Service (MLES) of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Contacts of the relevant units are posted on the official MLES website. The practical first step is submitting a report requesting return to service through the "Army+" mobile app. After the report is processed by the MLES units, the service member is directed to one of the reserve battalions. Important: after confirming the report in the app, the service member has only 24 hours to arrive at the relevant MLES unit. There, they receive an order and depart for the reserve unit.

The MLES unit organizes the verification and clarification of personal data, coordination with the reserve battalion, and the direct dispatch of the service member. Upon arrival at the reserve battalion, the commander issues an order, no later than three days later, to include the service member in the list of temporarily arrived personnel and assigns their task. At the same time, the commander, through law enforcement agencies, checks whether information about this service member's AWOL has been entered into the Unified Register of Pretrial Investigations. After that, the commander of the reserve battalion notifies the military unit from which the service member absconded of their arrival.

Choice of Unit and Recommendation Letters

The arrival notice may specify a particular priority-staffing military unit — but only with the written consent of the commander of that combat unit. A service member also has the right to arrive at a reserve battalion on their own; a list of such units can be obtained from the MLES bodies. When making a dispatch decision, the commander of the reserve battalion takes into account recommendation letters from combat brigades that need to replenish their personnel. At the same time, recommendation letters from support units are not taken into account — in such a case, the service member is directed to priority-staffing units in accordance with the established transfer procedure.

Opportunity to Be Exempted from Criminal Liability

The Ministry of Defense also reminds about the legally provided opportunity for a service member who has committed such an offense for the first time during the period of martial law to be exempted from criminal liability for AWOL. To exercise this right, it is necessary to write a report and obtain the written consent of the commander of the military unit or reserve battalion to extend military service. The service member then files a petition with the investigator, prosecutor, or court stating the intention to return to service. The materials on the question of exemption from criminal liability are transferred to the court, which makes the final decision. A hotline of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine is available for all questions related to returning to military service — number 1519.