Ukraine is seeking to bring back thousands of troops who are absent without official leave by offering them a more flexible return process and greater control over where they serve. According to reporting from multiple outlets, the Ukrainian government says service members can use a mobile application to navigate parts of the reintegration process more quickly than through traditional procedures. The plan includes letting returnees choose a preferred commander and deployment area, and it allows them to move immediately to a new unit after completing the required steps through the app.
The initiative is aimed at encouraging voluntary return rather than relying solely on coercive measures. Ukraine presents the program as a way to reduce delays and administrative friction for personnel who agree to come back to duty. While the outlets describe the mechanism and intended effect, the reports do not provide detailed figures on how many AWOL troops are targeted beyond “thousands,” nor do they specify timelines or how frequently the app-based approvals occur. The policy reflects broader efforts to manage manpower and personnel deployment as the war continues.
