Ukrainian military personnel are now eligible for short-term family leave, allowing them to take up to 10 days off while retaining their salary. This initiative, communicated by the Chernivtsi Regional Center for Recruitment and Social Support, aims to address the personal needs of service members during challenging times.
The law does not specify an exhaustive list of circumstances that warrant such leave. Instead, the commanding officer has the discretion to make decisions based on individual situations and the current combat context.
Common reasons for granting family leave include:
- Marriage of the service member;
- Serious illness or death of close relatives;
- Natural disasters affecting the family or property;
- Other exceptional circumstances requiring the service member’s presence.
Duration of Leave
According to the Chernivtsi center, family leave can last up to 10 calendar days. Additionally, service members may receive travel time of up to two days in one direction, potentially extending the total leave to 14 days.
Importantly, service members will continue to receive their full salary and allowances during this period. There is no legal limit on the number of such leaves a service member can take in a year.
Process for Obtaining Leave
The Chernivtsi center outlined the steps for service members to apply for family leave:
1. Submit a formal request, which can be done through the Army+ application.
2. Include supporting documents or explain their absence.
3. Await the commander’s decision.
4. Receive the official order and leave pass.
5. Return to the place of service on time or notify authorities of any delays due to valid reasons.
This right to family leave is supported by the law on social protection for military personnel and presidential decree No. 1153 regarding military service.
Recent Updates on Military Leave
Earlier, the Ministry of Defense clarified that service members are entitled to annual leave lasting up to 30 days, with additional leave available for specific circumstances, such as the destruction of enemy equipment.
Annual leave can also be taken in parts, provided that the continuous portion is no less than 15 calendar days. If a service member falls ill during their annual leave and requires hospitalization, the leave can be extended by the number of unused days after recovery.
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Ukrainian military personnel can now take up to 10 days of family leave with pay, subject to approval by their commanding officers. This initiative aims to support service members during personal crises, with the potential for additional travel days.