The military in the SBU have been given until January 1st to return to service, according to the State Bureau of Investigation (DBR).

Military personnel who have left their unit without permission (AWOL) or deserted have been given until January 1, 2025, to return to service.

This was announced by the spokesperson for the State Bureau of Investigations (SBI), Tetyana Sapyian, during a telethon.

If soldiers who are AWOL decide to return to service by this deadline, having open criminal cases will not be a reason for refusal. The unit commander will be required to extend the contract or reinstate the serviceman within three days.

Law enforcement officials promise to close criminal cases against those fighters who choose to return to their units. For others, procedural measures and explanatory work will be conducted. However, Sapyian emphasized that "maximum conditions" will be created for military personnel who are AWOL to encourage their return to service.

Background. Earlier, Mind reported that military personnel who went AWOL for the first time will be able to return to service. Zelensky signed the corresponding law.