Over 7,000 servicemen already return from AWOL - SBI

More than 7,000 servicemen, who were absent without official leave (AWOL) for the first time, have returned to the Ukrainian army.

This was reported by the State Bureau of Investigation (SBI).

Of these, 4,396 people have already been officially reinstated in military service, the rest are in the process of reinstating and closing criminal proceedings.

The SBI reminded that according to the Law, servicemen, who were in AWOL, can return to their comrades and continue their service.

"The commander of the military unit, no later than 72 hours from the date of the serviceman's arrival at the unit, continues the contract or service, and also renews the payment of monetary, food, material and other types of support," the message says.

Also, such servicemen are renewed benefits and social guarantees established by the state.

In addition, the commander of the military unit is obliged to inform the pre-trial investigation body and the Military Law Enforcement Service about the arrival and continuation of the serviceman. After that, the procedure for closing the case against the soldier begins.

As a reminder, the Verkhovna Rada extended the possibility of voluntarily return from AWOL until March 1.