First in Ukraine: soldier not imprisoned for leaving military unit

The State Bureau of Investigation reported this information.

Notably, this is the first time in Ukraine that a court has decided not to imprison a soldier for unauthorized leaving of a military unit or place of service, as he expressed a desire to serve in another unit, which his new commander approved.

The bureau also mentioned that Ukrainian courts have released three more servicemen from criminal liability for leaving their posts between 2022 and 2024.

These measures are possible due to Law No. 11322, which allows military personnel to avoid criminal charges for desertion or unauthorized leaving of a military unit if it is their first offense. However, this applies only if they voluntarily return to service.

• On April 29, it was reported that desertions are increasing in the armed forces of the southern military district of the occupying Russian army - more than 18,000 soldiers have already left the service without permission.