Ukrainian military units give second chance to troops who left service
Ukrainian forces face challenges with troop numbers while fighting against larger enemy army. Some units now accept back soldiers who previously left service‚ with thousands returning in recent weeks
Ukrainian military faces a tough-situation with troop numbers while fighting against much-bigger enemy forces. The military-command now allows some units to give second chances to soldiers who left their posts
Nearly 95‚000 cases of unauthorized leaves opened since early-2022‚ with most happening this year (which shows growing pressure on troops). Col. Oleksandr Hrynchuk from military police says about 6‚000 soldiers came back in past month — showing how new rules help bring people back
The elite 47th Brigade started a come-back program that got huge response: “Our aim is to give every soldier the opportunity to come back into the fold and realize his potential.“ Viacheslav Smirnov‚ the brigades head-recruiter‚ mentions they got so many requests they cant process them fast enough
Different units have different rules; some accept only those who left bases not combat zones. Mykhailo Perets from K-2 battalion explains why soldiers leave:
- Too quick switch from civilian life
- Qualified drone pilots sent to infantry
- Physical and mental exhaustion
- Health issues with older soldiers
President Zelenskiy points to weapons shortage as main issue — allies provided gear for just 1/4 of new brigades needed (while keeping draft age at 25 instead of lowering it to 18)
