The State Bureau of Investigation called on servicemen from the North-Eastern Front to return to service: over 1,700 appeals in a month

The State Bureau of Investigation stated that more and more servicemen who voluntarily left their unit are returning to service thanks to a new mechanism for simplified resolution of such cases. In the first month of its operation alone, more than 1,700 servicemen and their representatives have contacted the SBI.

The department emphasizes that many soldiers do not dare to return due to fear of punishment, criminal cases, and complex bureaucracy. At the same time, the Bureau assures that the state is interested not only in bringing them to justice, but also in returning the military to service.

The SBI explained why servicemen go to the SZCh

The Bureau notes that behind each story of voluntary leaving the unit are difficult life circumstances:

exhaustion after combat operations;
the consequences of injuries;
psychological problems;
family difficulties;
prolonged stress and overwork.

That is why in May 2026, the State Bureau of Investigation launched a new mechanism that allows for the prompt conduct of all necessary procedural actions to prepare for the closure of criminal proceedings under Article 407 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine – “Unauthorized abandonment of a military unit or place of service.”

How the new return mechanism works

The State Bureau of Investigation explains that the task of investigators is to help the serviceman quickly go through all procedures and return to service.

To apply, a serviceman or his representative can:

call the territorial department of the State Bureau of Investigation;
write an email;
submit an application via a special form on the website;
send a request to the email address info@dbr.gov.ua.

The State Bureau of Investigation call center provides primary information on the criminal proceedings and transfers the materials to the investigator, who is already resolving the issue on the merits.

Where can military personnel turn

The State Bureau of Internal Affairs has published the contacts of territorial departments:

TU Kyiv — (044) 339 51 35
TU Kramatorsk — (044) 339 57 25
TU Lviv — 0 800 350 356
TU Melitopol — (061) 239 96 29
TU Mykolaiv — 0 800 350 357
TU Poltava — 0 800 350 352
TU Khmelnytskyi — (0382) 69 98 20

The Bureau emphasizes that the mechanism was created primarily so that military personnel could return to service without unnecessary delays and bureaucratic barriers.