The State Bureau of Investigation reported the number of military personnel who legally returned from the combat zone.

Following the adoption of the law on the legal return of servicemen from the SZZ, over 7,000 military personnel have utilized this right. This was reported by the press service of the State Bureau of Investigation on Friday, January 10.

As of November 2024, the bill No. 12095 on the voluntary return to service of those who left military units without permission or deserted has come into effect. According to this bill, until January 1, 2025, servicemen who left for SZZ can return to their military unit without facing criminal penalties. On January 9, deputies voted to extend the deadline for military personnel to return from SZZ until March 1, 2025.

“After the adoption of the relevant Law of Ukraine, more than 7,000 servicemen who had previously left their units without permission have returned to the Ukrainian army. Of these, 4,396 individuals have already been officially reinstated in military service, while the process of reinstatement and closure of criminal proceedings is ongoing for the rest,” the press service of the SBI reported.

Military personnel returning from SZZ have notified the pre-trial investigation body or military law enforcement service. Once the command of their service location continues the contract or reinstates the servicemen, their payments (monetary, food, and clothing) are resumed, and their benefits and social guarantees are restored.

For information on how servicemen can properly return from SZZ, you can read here.