The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense has announced a new process for military personnel who left their units without permission. Soldiers who departed prior to June 12 will have until September 20 to return under this revised protocol.
According to the ministry, the most straightforward method for returning is through the “Army+” application. This platform allows servicemen to select a new unit from a provided list, specify their preferred service direction, and indicate their experience.
Once a soldier submits their request via the app, they will receive a status update indicating “On the Way,” confirming their voluntary return to service. This status grants them a five-day window to report to their new unit.
In addition to using the app, soldiers can submit their applications directly to their chosen military unit or through the first recruitment center of the Ground Forces or the second recruitment center of the Air Assault Forces for those in the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Currently, this program is available for members of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the State Special Transport Service. The option for National Guard personnel to submit requests through the Army+ app is expected to be implemented soon.
In January 2026, Minister of Defense Mykhailo Fedorov noted that approximately two million citizens were wanted, with 200,000 classified under unauthorized absence. The Office of the Prosecutor General previously reported nearly 300,000 cases related to unauthorized absence and desertion since the onset of the full-scale war, with a significant number of cases opened in 2025.
Reports from Radio Liberty’s Donbas Realities in March indicated that soldiers willing to return after unauthorized absence were increasingly hesitant due to a lack of options for selecting their desired units. Many experienced personnel are reluctant to return without the ability to choose their assignments.
Recruiters have observed that previously, units could engage directly with these individuals, offering motivation and guarantees of service in specific brigades or roles. However, since December 2025, a directive from the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces has prohibited consideration of recommendation letters from units. The distribution of returning personnel is now managed by the General Staff, effectively removing the choice of service locations, which has negatively impacted recruitment efforts.
The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense has launched a new program allowing soldiers who left their units without authorization to return by September 20. The initiative aims to streamline the reintegration process, although many experienced personnel remain hesitant due to restrictions on unit selection.