The Chief of Staff discussed how the Armed Forces of Ukraine address the issue of soldiers abandoning their posts without permission.

The Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Anatoly Bargilevich stated that the issue of unauthorized abandonment of units remains relevant, but the military is actively seeking effective ways to address it. He made this announcement during a telethon broadcast.

“AWOL is a problem, and we are fighting and looking for more effective methods to combat it. First and foremost, the reasons for AWOL are psychological issues. People from various backgrounds are joining the army now: some are self-assured and stand firm in their positions, while others come from civilian life and are less psychologically prepared,” Bargilevich noted.

To tackle this issue, a decision was made to extend the basic military training period from one month to one and a half months. According to the Chief of Staff, this will help recruits better adapt to the team and prepare more effectively for combat tasks.

Bargilevich added that extending the training period is one of the important elements that will help reduce instances of AWOL. We aim to give soldiers more time to adapt and prepare.

The AWOL issue in the Armed Forces of Ukraine is viewed not only as a disciplinary matter but also as a social one, which is why its resolution requires a comprehensive approach that includes psychological support and quality training for military personnel.