Ukraine Expands Program to Incentivize AWOL Soldiers to Return

The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine expanded a voluntary return program on August 1, 2026, designed to incentivize soldiers absent without leave to rejoin the military. The initiative aims to combat chronic manpower shortages and troop fatigue by removing the requirement for returning soldiers to report to military law enforcement, a process that could otherwise result in prison sentences of up to 10 years.

Under the new terms, returning troops can apply via a website or the Army+ mobile app to select their own deployment area, commander, and specific job from more than 70 units across three ground branches. To further encourage participation, soldiers who return through this program are protected from involuntary transfer for six months. The application window remains open until September 20.

Deputy Minister for Defense Mstislav Banik emphasized the wide range of personnel needed, specifically mentioning drivers, UAV operators, clerks, and shooters. The scale of the issue is significant, as former minister Mykhailo Fedorov noted that over 200,000 AWOL cases have been recorded since the start of the war, although some instances may stem from administrative errors during unit transfers.