New Rules Allow Ukrainian Soldiers Who Went AWOL to Choose Their Unit

Staffing Challenges in the Armed Forces of Ukraine

According to Главком: Under updated procedures, contract soldiers can now join a unit of their choice if they provide a letter of recommendation, though priority still goes to combat brigades. Officials from the Chernivtsi Regional Military Commissariat and Support Center confirmed this development. It is important to note that written approvals from combat brigades are accepted and processed according to the personnel transfer protocol of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Documents issued by support institutions will not be recognized by reserve battalion commanders.

According to the information provided, military personnel will only be assigned to priority staffing locations, with combat units receiving top priority. Ihor Lutsenko, a former member of the eighth convocation of parliament, stated that desertion is the most serious issue facing the Ukrainian army, noting that 80% of conscripts flee from training centers. He emphasized that the current system fails to create adequate conditions for bringing soldiers back after their contract service ends.

Expressions of Concern

Roman Kostenko, a lawmaker and secretary of the National Security Committee, also voiced alarm over the AWOL situation in Ukraine. He stated:

'Soon, the number of AWOL soldiers will equal the size of our army. And these people will later criticize those who are still fighting.' Roman Kostenko

This highlights a critical situation demanding urgent measures to improve service conditions and encourage soldiers to return to active units.

The issue underscores the pressing challenges in staffing the Armed Forces of Ukraine, particularly as the country seeks to boost combat readiness. The difficulties related to morale and service conditions could significantly undermine the military's ability to operate effectively, especially amid ongoing instability. Given the need to increase troop numbers, it is essential to take steps that enhance service conditions and motivate soldiers to rejoin the ranks.

The growing number of soldiers going AWOL poses significant challenges for the Ukrainian military, as highlighted by experts. To understand the underlying issues and explore potential solutions for improving mobilization efforts, read more about the obstacles faced by the armed forces in our article on the failures of current mobilization strategies.