The Ministry of Defense Explained What Will Happen to Salaries After the Special Military Operation
For service members who have left their unit without authorization, payment of their pay is suspended as of the date of unauthorized absence. At the same time, the pay that a service member has already earned for the previous month is not confiscated—it can be received upon reinstatement to the personnel roster.
The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense has explained what happens to service members’ pay after they leave their unit without authorization. Payments are suspended as of the day the service member left their place of duty without permission. Once the commander issues the appropriate order confirming the unauthorized absence, the unit’s financial and economic service stops transferring funds to the service member’s bank card.
However, this does not mean that the service member loses all the money they have already earned. Funds accrued for the previous month are not canceled or confiscated by the state. They are transferred to the military unit’s accounts receivable and remain on its balance sheet.
It is not possible to receive this money while in the “SZCH” status. To do so, the service member must first return to active duty.
When Will the Money Be Returned?
Once the service member is reinstated on the unit’s personnel roster, payments resume. At the same time, the service member may receive the pay that was previously accrued but not paid due to their “SZCH” status.
According to the Ministry of Defense, these funds are transferred during the next available pay period. As a rule, scheduled pay is issued by the 20th of the month. Thus, the fact of being on AWOL status does not automatically mean the loss of money already earned. The main change concerns current payments: they are suspended as of the day the service member leaves the unit without authorization.
How to Return from Unauthorized Absence
Ukraine also has a special procedure for the return of service members after an unauthorized absence from their unit. It allows them to return to service through a simplified process.
Upon return and re-enlistment, the servicemember’s pay is reinstated in accordance with established procedures. Any previously unpaid funds are not forfeited. This information is provided by the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine.
A senior lieutenant left his military unit without authorization on February 9, and on May 9, he voluntarily returned and declared his readiness to continue his service.
