“The document stipulates that if a serviceman from the SZCH returns to the unit within 4 weeks, he is released from criminal liability”, — write: www.radiosvoboda.org
“In the final provisions there is an exemption from criminal liability. That is, if a serviceman from the SZCH returned within four weeks to the corresponding unit, he is released from criminal liability. That is, in fact, on the one hand, we are trying to return to the current legislation, and on the other hand, we still give the opportunity to the serviceman to be released from criminal responsibility,” the deputy said.
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On August 20, 2024, the Council approved changes to the legislation, which introduced a special type of exemption from criminal liability for servicemen who, under martial law, voluntarily left a military unit or place of service for the first time, returned and expressed their readiness to perform their military duty.
The norms of the Criminal Code of Ukraine provided that such a person can be released from criminal liability if he voluntarily petitioned the investigator, prosecutor, court about the intention to return to this or another military unit (place of service) to continue military service and the commander (chief) of the military unit gave written consent to this.
On September 4, the Verkhovna Rada adopted in the first reading draft law No. 13260, which provides for the return of criminal liability for servicemen for the first voluntary desertion of a military unit (SZH).