The simplified procedure for returning from the Special Military Service has been canceled
A simplified procedure for returning to service after deserting a unit was in effect through September 20, 2026. It applied to service members whose desertion was recorded by the Military Police by June 12, 2026.
Following the conclusion of the program, voluntary reinstatement takes place under general conditions—through the Military Law Enforcement Service (VSP) and reserve battalions. This was reported by the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine.
This means that the return procedure has become longer, and service members can no longer independently choose the military unit in which they will continue their service.
To return, a service member may contact the Military Law Enforcement Service of the Armed Forces of Ukraine—the Central Directorate of the Military Law Enforcement Service in Kyiv and the Kyiv region, territorial directorates, or zonal departments.
The VSP will provide the servicemember with information about the reserve battalions to which he may report for continued service and, if necessary, issue the appropriate order. A servicemember may also report directly to a reserve battalion after first obtaining information from the VSP about available units.
Upon arrival, the reserve battalion commander must, no later than three days after arrival, issue an order to include the servicemember on the list of temporarily assigned personnel and assign him tasks.
It is no longer possible to choose a unit independently, as was provided for under the simplified program. At the same time, the option to return to a specific combat brigade remains.
Reserve battalion commanders may take into account letters of recommendation from combat brigades that require personnel reinforcement. If such a brigade is ready to accept a service member, this information is noted in the notification of his or her arrival at the reserve battalion.
However, letters of recommendation from military support units are not taken into account. In such cases, the service member is assigned to units with priority for manning.
Separately, the Ministry of Defense reminds service members of the possibility of exemption from criminal liability for desertion. In accordance with Part 5 of Article 401 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, this is possible for a service member who has committed desertion for the first time during martial law.
To do so, the service member must submit a report and obtain written consent from the commander of the military unit or reserve battalion to continue service.
Afterward, they must submit a petition to an investigator, prosecutor, or court and declare their intention to return to military service. The materials regarding exemption from criminal liability are forwarded to the court, which makes the final decision.
Source: Ministry of Defense
As a reminder, the Ministry of Defense has promised to pay manufacturers all outstanding debts under the eBaly program.
The Ministry of Defense has also announced the procurement of FPV drones based on specific technical specifications.
The Ministry of Defense explained what awaits military personnel upon their return from the Special Military Operation.
