Servicemembers of the Armed Forces of Ukraine who previously went absent without leave now have the opportunity to return to duty voluntarily under a simplified procedure. The temporary programme is in force only for a limited period and is implemented through the 1st Recruiting Centre of the Land Forces of the AFU.
The mechanism is available to servicemembers whose absence without leave was recorded by 12 June 2026. Applications to return may be submitted up to and including 20 September 2026. After this date, returns will take place under the standard, significantly longer procedure through the courts, Military Law Enforcement Service bodies and reserve battalions.
Returning via the 1st Recruiting Centre offers several key advantages. A servicemember may independently choose a new brigade from an approved list of more than 50 of the most effective units, as well as a position in line with their civilian or military experience. Centre specialists provide free support throughout the process, help to complete the paperwork correctly and arrange for it to be approved remotely by the new unit.
Once assigned to the chosen unit, an official guarantee applies: for six months the servicemember cannot be transferred to another unit without their written consent. From the moment they are entered on the personnel roll, full pay, clothing and food provision is restored.
The step-by-step process for those wishing to return consists of several stages. First, you need to contact the 1st Recruiting Centre of the Land Forces of the AFU for advice by calling the hotline. Recruiters then help you choose a military unit, complete the application by phone or online, and send it to the unit.
The chosen unit considers the application for up to seven days, after which recruiters or unit representatives contact the servicemember to clarify details. If the unit agrees, the 1st Recruiting Centre prepares and sends an official paper posting order, which gives the legal right to report to the new duty station without hindrance.
From the date the posting order is issued, up to five days are allowed for travel to the unit. On arrival, the servicemember is entered on the personnel roll and all forms of provision are reinstated.