Ukraine offers AWOL troops a choice of more than 70 military units

Ukraine’s Defense Ministry has broadened its voluntary return initiative for service members who deserted their posts without permission, offering applicants a choice of over 70 military units spanning the Armed Forces, National Guard, and State Special Transport Service. On July 31, the ministry confirmed that personnel could opt for a unit within their prior service organization, with selections ranging from mechanized, assault, airborne, drone, artillery, and other types of units.

The complete roster of accepting brigades is available on the program’s official website and via the Army+ app. Certain fields have limited openings, urging those with limited options to submit their applications promptly.

To return, service members must pick a unit on an approved list, specify their desired area of service, and detail their past experiences. Assistance is provided through a contact center, enabling direct reporting to the chosen unit without passing through the Military Law Enforcement Service or a reserve battalion. A six-month period of consent remains mandatory for transferring to another military unit after joining the selected unit.

Eligibility extends to members of the Armed Forces, National Guard, and State Special Transport Service who left their duties recorded on or before June 12, 2026. Applications can be submitted until September 20, 2026, through direct submission to a military unit (for Armed Forces and State Special Transport Service members) or via the Armed Forces’ 1st or 2nd recruitment centers (for Armed Forces personnel). Ukraine initiated a 100-day voluntary return window on June 13, 2026, according to the Defense Ministry.