---
title: "Simplified AWOL Return Program Has Ended: Ukraine's Ministry of Defense Explains the New Procedure"
description: "As of September 21, 2026, the simplified AWOL return program in Ukraine has ceased to apply. The Ministry of Defense explained the new general procedure: a report via \"Army+\", arrival at the MLES within 24 hours, and dispatch to a reserve battalion."
date: 2026-09-21T10:46:00.000Z
lang: en
url: https://xab.info/en/posts/simplified-awol-return-program-ended-ukraine-ministry-of-defense-explains-new-procedure
tags: [ukraine, military, szc, ministry-of-defense, martial-law, army-plus]
publisher: "XAB.info"
---

# Simplified AWOL Return Program Has Ended: Ukraine's Ministry of Defense Explains the New Procedure

![Ukrainian soldier in a trench in the combat zone — new return procedure from the ATO area per Ukraine's Ministry of Defense](https://xab.info/media/2026/09/21/uproschennaya-programma-vozvrashcheniya-iz-szch-zavershila-d-stviye/uproschennaya-programma-vozvrashcheniya-iz-szch-zavershila-d-stviye-1.webp)

## 🎯 Key Points

- The simplified AWOL return program was in effect until September 20, 2026 (inclusive) and was available to service members whose AWOL was recorded before June 12, 2026
- From September 21, the return is carried out under the general procedure: a report via "Army+", 24 hours to arrive at the MLES, and dispatch to a reserve battalion
- A service member who has committed AWOL for the first time during martial law may apply for exemption from criminal liability through the court
- The Ministry of Defense hotline on AWOL return matters — 1519

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.

## 🔍 Fact-Check Verification

- [Simplified program has ended: how to return from AWOL starting September 21](https://www.rbc.ua/ukr/news/sproshchena-programa-zavershilasya-k-povernutisya-1789986334.html) - Основной источник. Подтверждает завершение программы 20.09.2026, общий порядок с 21.09.2026, процедуру через «Армию+», 24-часовой срок, роль ВСП и батальонов резерва, возможность освобождения от уголовной ответственности, горячую линию 1519.
- [Simplified AWOL return program no longer in effect - Ministry of Defense](https://gazeta.ua/ru/articles/politics/_uproschennaya-programma-vozvrascheniya-iz-szc-bolshe-ne-dejstvuet-minoborony/1259102) - Подтверждает прекращение действия упрощённой программы и ссылается на разъяснение Минобороны.
- [Simplified AWOL return program completed: Ministry of Defense explains what to do](https://www.unian.net/war/kak-vernutsya-iz-szch-v-minoborony-obyasnili-chto-delat-voennym-posle-zaversheniya-uproshchennoy-programmy-13505460.html) - Подтверждает завершение программы и описывает новый порядок возвращения.
- [Simplified AWOL return has ended: what service members should do now](https://tsn.ua/ru/ukrayina/uproschennoe-vozvraschenie-iz-szch-zavershilos-chto-teper-delat-voennym-3172436.html) - Подтверждает факт завершения программы и разъясняет дальнейшие шаги для военнослужащих.

## ❓ FAQ

### Q: Until what date was the simplified AWOL return program in effect?
**A:** The simplified program was in effect until September 20, 2026 (inclusive). It was available to service members whose AWOL was recorded before June 12, 2026.

### Q: What changed on September 21, 2026, for service members in AWOL status?
**A:** From September 21, the return to service is carried out under the general procedure: the process takes longer, the restoration of pay is delayed, and the service member loses the ability to independently choose a military unit under the simplified program.

### Q: How do I submit a report to return from AWOL?
**A:** The report is submitted through the "Army+" mobile app. After confirmation, the service member has 24 hours to arrive at the MLES unit, where they receive an order and are dispatched to a reserve battalion.

### Q: Is it possible to avoid criminal liability for AWOL?
**A:** Yes, if the offense was committed for the first time during martial law. It is necessary to write a report, obtain the commander's written consent to extend service, and file a petition with the investigator, prosecutor, or court. The final decision is made by the court.

### Q: Where to turn for questions about returning from AWOL?
**A:** A hotline of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine is available for questions about returning to military service — number 1519. Contacts of MLES units are also available on the official website of the Military Law Enforcement Service.