The new law on unauthorized leaving the part (HSC), signed by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky, enables the military to return to their units without punishment. However, the problem of desertion remains a serious challenge for the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Lawyer Roman Likhachev emphasizes that cases of HRC should be considered individually, and the military themselves must be maintained in order to avoid recurrent escape.
According to Likhachev, among deserters there are those who have reasons to be released from the army, but faces bureaucratic obstacles. For example, on the air of the TV channel "Kiev 24", a lawyer cited a case where a husband, a father of three children, re -left part of the inability to exercise his right to dismiss. "Often, the military is regarded by the military as a protest," Likhachev said.
The main factors that push the military on the HCP are: lack of vacations or long stay on the front line without rotation. Command problems, including unfair attitude from officers. Bureaucracy, which complicates the legal dismissal from the army.
The lawyer also stressed that some servicemen re -carry out the HCR when they return to the parts, if their problems remain unresolved. Instead of punishing such persons, it is necessary to maintain rehabilitation and resolution of personal and official issues. Likhachev opposes the practice of sending the military after the HSC to the penalty battalions or immediately assault. He calls for comprehensive work with such fighters to understand their motives and help to avoid repeated cases of desertion. The chief of staff of the 3rd OSHBR Maxim Zhorokhov also expressed a similar position, who declared his willingness to give the second chance to those who returned. "Sometimes the reason for the escape is the actions of an idiot-commander," he said.
The signed law on the HSR introduces the norm by which the military, which will voluntarily return to their units by January 1, 2025, will be able to avoid punishment. This gives a chance to return those who have carried out desertion due to difficult circumstances. At the same time, the problem remains: with more than 100 thousand cases of HSF, according to Likhachev, not everyone can be solved promptly by overloading investigative bodies, including DBR. Returning servicemen face the risk of opening criminal proceedings, even if their act was forced.
Experts emphasize that the HCP is not only a legal issue but also a social issue. To solve it, it is necessary to: provide a transparent system of dismissals and vacations. Increase the responsibility of commanders for the rights of subordinates. Introduce rehab programs for the military who left the parts.
The attitude towards deserters should be weighed: they should not become a "punitive example", but instead require systematic assistance that will strengthen the army in the long run.
