Part 3/8:
His departure, however, did not come without consequences. Under military law, desertion is a serious crime that could lead to incarceration for up to 10 years. This law, coupled with the routine challenges of military life, led to a surge in cases of absence without leave—a troubling trend that reflects the struggles of soldiers under immense pressure.
In August 2023, Ukrainian Parliament took a decisive step to address the issue by decriminalizing absence without leave for first-time offenders, provided they return to duty. This change was born out of a need to reconcile the realities faced by soldiers who experience breakdowns or fears of imminent death.