The Verkhovna Rada has approved the extension of the period for voluntary return from desertion until March 1, 2025.
As reported by MP Solomiya Bobrovska, this measure is included in bill No. 12076.
How many cases of desertion and SOCH reach the courts – data from OpendatabotThis year, only 1.3 percent of desertion cases and 7 percent of SOCH cases have reached the courts.“Only the Verkhovna Rada has extended the right to a ‘quick return’ and effectively without consequences for those who committed SOCH, back to military service from January 1 to March 1, 2025. The commander will still have 3 days to reinstate them in service, as was the case in the previous 2 months. However, for those who think there will be another extension of the bill – that will not happen,” she wrote.
Bobrovska also suggests the possibility of reinstating criminal penalties for the first SOCH.
Recall that the law on voluntary return to service after the first SOCH or desertion was adopted by the Rada on November 21. It states that for military personnel who return within 72 hours, their service and contract will continue. Additionally, monetary, material, and other types of support, benefits, and social guarantees will be resumed.
The “Army+” app has introduced a report for returning to service after the first SOCH.
Previously, President Volodymyr Zelensky commented on cases of SOCH in the army.
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