A new information program for returning after the NWCH in 2026 has officially launched, developed by the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine at the initiative of Defense Minister M. Fedorov for servicemen of the Armed Forces , National Guard , and SSST who voluntarily left their units before June 11, 2026.
Participants are offered the opportunity to voluntarily resume service by September 20, 2026, giving them the unique right to independently choose a new unit and desired position. The process involves submitting an official report via the Army+ application , recruiting centers, or directly to military units.
The main advantage of the new initiative is the full restoration of cash payments , material support and social guarantees without lengthy court procedures. Timely return allows you to avoid strict criminal liability and search, which become inevitable after the end of the program and, according to some applications, will even lead to an increase in already strict liability.
Why a new procedure has been introduced for those who want to return after the 2026 Winter Olympics
In 2026, the issue of servicemen in the military unit was identified as one of the priorities for the new Minister of Defense Mykhailo Fedorov, who was appointed by the President of Ukraine. Currently, the known figure is more than 161 thousand criminal proceedings regarding the unauthorized abandonment of a military unit (SZCH) were opened in 10 months of 2025 according to the Prosecutor General’s Office of Ukraine .
Therefore, the reform for servicemen who voluntarily left the unit (SZCh) suggested itself to stop such a significant wave. The new program is designed not only to return to service without severe sanctions, but also to give the right to independently choose a new unit and position for further service. If you are looking for a way to legalize your status and continue to protect the country, then now nothing should be an obstacle for you.
Main conditions of the return program from the NWCH in 2026
A new initiative of the Ministry of Defense, for which a separate profile website was created with answers to all possible questions and a detailed step-by-step plan for implementing the “window of opportunity for return without responsibility”, and with the renewal of all discharges, which lasts only 100 days .
- Program validity period: until September 20, 2026 inclusive.
- Who can benefit: servicemen of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the National Guard and the State Security Service, in whom the SZCH was recorded before June 12, 2026 .
- The main advantage: you can choose a unit from the list of top 50+ units and specify the desired position (mechanic, UAV pilot, gunner, etc.).
How to return after a stroke: Step-by-step algorithm
The return process has become as digital as possible thanks to the Army+ application , which allows you to avoid unnecessary bureaucracy and “reserve battalions”.
Step 1: Select a division
You can choose a new place of service only within your structure: ZSU to ZSU, NGU to NGU, DSST to DSST. The current list is available on the website szch.army.gov.ua or directly in the Army+ application .
Step 2: Submitting the report
There are three main ways to apply:
- Through the Army+ application (the fastest way for all branches of the military).
- Directly to the selected military unit (for the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the State Security Service of Ukraine).
- Through recruiting centers (1st and 2nd recruiting centers of the Land Forces or Land Forces – only for the Armed Forces of Ukraine).
Important for NGU: you must add a photo to the report:
– a letter of recommendation from the selected unit and a photo of a military ID card , NGU service card or other document confirming completion of military service at NGU.
Step 3: Review and “On the Go” status
The terms of consideration of the report depend on the structure:
- Armed Forces of Ukraine and State Security Service: up to 7 days .
- NGU: up to 96 hours .
After approval, the status “On the way” will appear in Army+ . This is your official document in case of inspection by the VSP or police. For the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the State Security Service, 5 days are given to arrive at the unit, for the National Guard – 48 hours after signing the order.
Legal guarantees and payment recovery
Many are interested in the issue of criminal liability. Voluntary return under this program is a key condition for resolving the situation with the SZCH or Desertion independently according to clause 5 of article 401 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine . Namely, the article stipulates that “A person who, during martial law, first committed a criminal offense provided for by articles 407 , 408 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, may be exempted from criminal liability in the manner provided for by the criminal procedural legislation of Ukraine, if he voluntarily applied to the investigator, prosecutor, court with a request for his intention to return to this or another military unit or to the place of service to continue military service . ”
What you get upon arrival:
- Resumption of payments: cash and material benefits are resumed from the moment of enrollment in the personnel lists of a new military unit (usually within 7 days).
- Meals: resumed on the day of arrival.
- Protection from transfer: as a general rule, if you have been transferred, you will not be able to be transferred to another unit for 6 months .
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What will happen if I don’t have time to return from the NWCH by September 20? You will lose the right to use the new program of returning after the NWCH to the specific unit and position you have chosen.
Can I return to any unit? No. I can only return to military units from the approved list of units participating in the program. I can only choose a military unit within my own structure: from the State Security Service of Ukraine – only to the State Security Service units; from the Armed Forces of Ukraine – only to the Armed Forces of Ukraine units; from the National Guard – only to the National Guard units.
Is it possible to return to the previous part? Yes, if it is on the approved list of units participating in the program.
What to do if your report is rejected? The reason for the rejection is always indicated (for example, incorrect data). You can correct the error and submit a new report. Only one application can be pending at a time.
Can I choose a position in a new unit? Yes, but when submitting a report, you must indicate your desired direction of service. While reviewing your report, a military unit recruiter may contact you and offer available positions based on your wishes, experience, and the needs of the unit.
What information should be included in the report on return after the SZCH? The report should include: – the military unit to which you want to return; – the desired direction of further service; – what you did in civilian life; – who you served in the unit; – the reason for leaving the service; – a contact phone number; – additional documents, if any – if desired, you can add a VLK conclusion, diploma, or training certificate.
How to remove the “red tape” (SZCH status) in Army+? The status will be updated automatically after the unit transfers data to the registers. This may take up to one month.
Is it possible to submit reports to multiple military units? No, only to one.
What should I do if the report submission button is grayed out? This usually means that you already have a pending or approved report. There can only be one active report at a time.
What to do if you can’t log in to Army+? Fill out the feedback form for the Army+ support service. Specialists will help you restore lost access.
Conclusion: Why act now?
If you do not take advantage of this reform by September 20, 2026 , return will be possible only through lengthy legal procedures and reserve battalions without the right to choose the place of service. Voluntary return is a chance to independently implement your experience where you will be most effective.
For additional assistance, the Ministry of Internal Affairs’ toll-free hotline is available: 0 800 605 100
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