The number of "AWOLs" in the army and non-implementation of orders has reached an alarming level - Supreme Court

The chairman of the Supreme Court, Stanislav Kravchenko, has noted a growing increase in cases of servicemen's AWOL, desertion and refusal to obey orders, Interfax-Ukraine has reported.

We have not yet analysed specific figures, but there is a trend towards an increase in unauthorised desertion of service," Kravchenko said.

He also stressed that the media overstated data on these crimes, but the overall situation remains quite alarming.

Asked about possible measures by the state and the judiciary to improve the situation, Kravchenko said that in addition to mobilisation and organisational order, it is necessary to strengthen patriotic education and stimulate the military, for example, through salaries.

There should be mobilisation, general order, but look at the negativity with which the TCC is shown, "bussification" was invented.... There is a question to patriotic education.... it is also necessary to incentivise servicemen, with the same salary," Kravchenko said.

Recently, the Verkhovna Rada adopted a decision on cancellation of criminal prosecution for the first case of unauthorised abandonment of service. In addition to this, the parliament is drafting a bill that would provide full immunity from criminal liability for servicemen returning to service after AWOL. The new draft law envisages that criminal proceedings will not be initiated if a person voluntarily returns to his or her military duties.