AWOL and weapon misuse top list of most common offenses among Ukrainian soldiers

“Today, the most widespread offenses include unauthorized departure from a unit, violations of weapon handling rules, and other offenses against the established order of military service,” he said.

Sviderskyi stressed that discipline is critically important for the stability of units and the successful completion of combat missions.

“The army is a system where everything is interconnected,” he added.

“If a breakdown in discipline occurs anywhere, it can affect the execution of combat tasks. Therefore, the impact of such offenses is always systemic: it harms not only the individual but the entire unit.”

On April 2, the General Staff simplified the procedure for returning soldiers after unauthorized absence from their unit. Documents for reassignment are now submitted directly from the military unit to the General Staff.

On March 25, Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov stated that he had discussed pressing issues and changes affecting soldiers with assault troops and infantrymen from 13 units of the Defense Forces who are carrying out complex missions on the front lines.

In January, Fedorov stated that approximately 2 million Ukrainians subject to military service are wanted for draft evasion, and another 200,000 military personnel are AWOL.

On Feb. 23, he announced that the Ministry of Defense is working on a comprehensive reform of conscription in Ukraine.