Reforming the Return of Service Members in Ukraine
Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense has introduced a streamlined procedure for soldiers classified as absent without leave (AWOL) to rejoin their units through the Army+ mobile application. Under this initiative, troops can independently select a new unit to continue their service. The mechanism will be in effect for 100 days, from June 12 to September 20, 2026. Eligibility is limited to those whose AWOL status was recorded before June 12, 2026.
The return process applies to personnel from the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) and the State Special Transport Service (SSTS). For the National Guard of Ukraine (NGU), the system will become operational in the coming days. Reports submitted via the app will be processed within seven days. Service members can file their requests through three channels: the Army+ app, directly at their unit for AFU and SSTS personnel, or through the 1st or 2nd Recruiting Center (available only for AFU members). It is important to note that multiple reports cannot be submitted simultaneously.
Conditions for Returning to Service
For AFU and SSTS personnel, a travel allowance of five days is granted, while NGU members receive 96 hours. National Guard troops must depart after receiving a notification in Army+ confirming the signing of an order by the NGU Commander, for which they have 72 hours. If a report is submitted through an AFU recruiting center, the soldier receives a paper assignment order and has five days to travel to the new unit.
On June 12, 2026, Ukraine announced the launch of a major transformation of its military service system. The package of measures was presented by Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko, Commander-in-Chief of the AFU Oleksandr Syrskyi, and Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov. The first phase of the reform includes new contracts, increased payments, simplified transfers, and a phased release of troops who have spent the longest time on the front lines.
Ukraine’s Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov stated: 'Our goal is to give motivated individuals the opportunity to return to service without excessive bureaucracy and to apply their experience where it will be most beneficial for the country’s defense.'
The steps for returning via the Army+ app are as follows:
- In the Army ID, a notification will appear reading 'Absence from service recorded.'
- In the services and reports tab, select 'Return to service after AWOL.'
- Choose a new military unit from the list within your branch.
- Specify your service direction and experience.
- Sign the report online.
- After verification, representatives from the unit will contact you to clarify details.
- Once approved, the app will display the status 'On the way.'
The introduction of this new return mechanism aims to enhance the efficiency of Ukraine’s defense system by simplifying reintegration procedures and leveraging soldiers’ expertise. These changes are part of a broader military service reform designed to adapt to modern challenges and defense needs, while also ensuring greater flexibility in troop transfers. According to government plans, this reform is intended to improve service conditions and motivation, which could positively impact the overall state of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
As Ukraine continues to enhance its military framework, the recent introduction of a simplified return process for AWOL soldiers is just one part of a broader initiative. This overhaul includes significant changes in contracts and salary structures, which have seen figures rise to 460,000 Hryvnias. To understand how these reforms are reshaping the landscape of military service in Ukraine, you can read more about the details of this transformation here.