Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, 46 soldiers have not returned from holidays abroad
Since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, some Ukrainian servicemen have travelled abroad for holidays and never returned. According to data from the Main Department of Military Service and the Deputy General Staff, 46 such cases were recorded between 24 February and 30 September 2024. The servicemen who did not return to their units were counted as having left the military unit without permission.
This information became known to Slidstvo.info journalists on the basis of a response to a request from the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine. Although cases of unauthorised abandonment of military units have been recorded, the issue of violations of the law when servicemen cross the border remains without proper coverage by the Ministry of Defence.
According to the data, military personnel can cross the state border on a general basis. The crossing is provided by authorised officials, and military personnel do not need any special permits, except for travelling abroad. There is also no limit to the length of leave for servicemen, which creates opportunities for potential non-return after the end of their leave.
According to representatives of the Main Directorate of the Military Service, since the beginning of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, 46 cases have already been recorded of servicemen who did not return from holidays abroad. Such servicemen are classified as having left their military unit without permission, which is a violation of military duty.
Despite the fact that cases of unauthorised abandonment of military units have been recorded, the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine does not comment on possible violations of the law when servicemen cross the state border. This raises additional questions about the effectiveness of control over the departure of military personnel abroad and their return.
However, the problem of attempts to illegally cross the border by men liable for military service, in particular those trying to evade military service, remains urgent. Every day, border guards record attempts by such men to illegally cross the border at various points.
