“After the cancellation of penalties for the first unauthorized departure from a unit, the number of deserters in the Ukrainian Armed Forces increased by 60%”, – an MP stated

After the enactment of the law decriminalizing the first instance of unauthorized absence from a military unit, cases of desertion in the Ukrainian army have increased by 60%.

This was stated by Roman Kostenko, Secretary of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on National Security, Defense, and Intelligence, in an interview with Radio NV.

According to Kostenko, many soldiers believe they can take advantage of this law at least once.

“The parliamentary majority passed this bill. Afterward, I spoke with members of our elite units—air assault troops and the naval infantry. According to them, cases of unauthorized absence have risen by 60%. Soldiers think, ‘I can do it once, I have the right,’” Kostenko explained.

He also emphasized that this trend could negatively impact discipline within military units and called for a reevaluation of the approach to regulating this issue.

Under the law, individuals who leave their unit without permission for the first time can avoid punishment if they voluntarily return to service.

Earlier, Iryna Vereshchuk suggested extending the timeframe for soldiers to return voluntarily after an unauthorized absence. The Verkhovna Rada subsequently supported extending this deadline until **March 1**.

Kostenko’s remarks underscore the potential consequences of the law, raising concerns about its long-term effects on military discipline and cohesion.