A simplified program for soldiers who left their units before 12 June 2026 is open until 20 September
Ukrainian military personnel who left their units without leave while abroad can use a simplified procedure to return to service. To start the process, servicemen must submit an official report via the Army+ mobile application. The scheme is available to troops who went AWOL on or before 12 June 2026. This is reported by the portal PromPolitInform, citing information from the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine.
Under martial law, service members are permitted to travel abroad for medical treatment, training, or official duty. However, travelling overseas does not relieve soldiers of their obligation to return on time, and failure to report back is prosecuted under Article 407 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.
To rejoin the military, soldiers can choose a new unit from a list of over 70 available options. Submitting a digital report through the Army+ mobile application is the primary requirement to initiate the return process.
Review Timelines and Arrival Requirements
Upon receiving the report, representatives of the selected unit verify the information and contact the service member. Report reviews take up to seven days in the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the State Special Transport Service, and up to four days in the National Guard of Ukraine.
Once approved, the applicant’s status in the app changes to “En Route”. From that moment, the soldier is required to report to the chosen military unit in person within five days.
Legal Aspects and Border Crossing
An approved digital report does not serve as a border crossing permit, nor does it automatically dismiss pending criminal proceedings. To cross into Ukraine, service members must present a valid passport or obtain a temporary document from a diplomatic mission abroad.
The “En Route” status inside the application acts as proof of voluntary return if stopped by law enforcement, recruitment officers, or the Military Law Enforcement Service. Full financial, food, and material support resumes once the soldier is officially restored to the unit’s active personnel lists.
Photo: Ministry of Defence of Ukraine
