Ukraine has expanded opportunities for servicemen who decided to voluntarily return to duty after unauthorized absence from their unit. Now participants in the special program can choose their further place of service among more than 70 military units.

This is about more than just returning to the military — it's also about the opportunity to continue service in a new team, in a desired direction, taking into account already acquired knowledge and practical experience. The list includes units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the National Guard, and the State Special Transport Service. At the same time, a serviceman can only choose a unit within the structure in which they previously served. Thus, through the 1st Recruitment Center, all units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine can be chosen.

Who can use the simplified return
The program applies to servicemen whose unauthorized absence from the unit was recorded no later than June 12, 2026, inclusive.

To participate, a report must be submitted by September 20, 2026, inclusive. After this deadline, it will no longer be possible to use this exact simplified return algorithm. So don't put off this moment — better to contact the 1st Recruitment Center now.

The number of slots for certain positions and service tracks may be limited, especially in popular combat and technological units.

Which units are available to choose from
The list includes units of various profiles, in particular:

• mechanized and motorized infantry brigades;
• assault and air assault units;
• marine infantry units;
• artillery brigades;
• unmanned systems units.

Available options include both well-known combat brigades and new unmanned systems units. In total, the official list includes more than 70 units ready to accept servicemen returning after AWOL (full list of units).

The units' needs aren't limited exclusively to combat professions. The military needs unmanned systems operators, drivers, riflemen, clerks, technical specialists, and servicemen with other skills.

Is the chosen position guaranteed
When submitting the report, a serviceman can indicate:

• desired unit;
• direction of further service;
• existing military specialty;
• civilian profession;
• previous experience;
• professional and practical skills.

The final decision on the specific position is made taking into account the needs of the chosen military unit. Recruiters match the serviceman's wishes with available vacancies and determine where their training will be most useful.

So the program provides the ability to state a desired position or direction, but this doesn't mean automatic assignment to any chosen vacancy. That's why, before submitting a report, it's advisable to clarify the unit's needs and the possibility of using a specific specialty.

How the return takes place
The main feature of the new mechanism is that a serviceman can arrive directly at the designated military unit. There's no need to go through the Military Law Enforcement Service or a reserve battalion as part of this procedure.

After submitting the report, the program participant receives support from a contact center. Specialists help complete the necessary stages and coordinate the return to service. The report can be submitted, in particular, through the 1st Recruitment Center of the AFU — for servicemen of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

What support is restored
After official enrollment in the personnel of the new military unit, the serviceman has the following types of support restored, including:

• monetary;
• food;
• material;
• other types of support according to the established procedure.

In addition, for six months after enrolling such a serviceman, they cannot be transferred to another unit without their written consent. This makes it possible to settle into the new unit, undergo the necessary training, and continue service in the chosen team.

The expansion of the list of units effectively gives servicemen after AWOL the opportunity to start a new stage of service. A person can not just return to the military, but try to find a unit and direction that better matches their experience, training, and professional abilities.

Leave your application on the website of the 1st Recruitment Center
Submit Application
instagram
+380 800 503 696