The Rada has extended the deadline for military personnel to return from Sochi without losing benefits. Find out how much time is left.

The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine has extended the deadline for voluntary return to service after the first desertion until March 1, 2025. Changes to the law on SOCH were reported on January 9 by Solomiya Bobrovska, a member of the Ukrainian parliament from the "Golos" party.

According to her, the Verkhovna Rada adopted the extension of the right to return to the military unit without consequences as outlined in bill No. 12076. Previously, the deadline was set for January 1, 2025.

The parliamentarian notes that the commander will still have 3 days to reinstate the serviceman upon his return to the unit.

The deadline has only been extended once, so the opportunity to return to service without losing financial support and other benefits is only available until March 1, Bobrovska claims.

"To all those who think there will be another extension of the bill's validity — there will not be," the parliamentarian wrote.

She also added that after March 1, criminal liability for the first desertion will likely be reinstated.

The Special Prosecutor's Office in the defense sector of the Central region reported on December 2 how many military personnel are returning to service following the adoption of the law on desertion. Since the law was signed by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky on November 28, nearly 4,000 soldiers have applied for reinstatement by December 2.

Recall that on January 8, the State Bureau of Investigations reported the detention of a commander of one of the companies of the 155th Separate Mechanized Brigade "Anna Kyivska," who deserted and incited his soldiers to do the same.

Also on January 8, Major General Mykhailo Drapaty, the commander of the Ground Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, stated that soldiers have begun returning from desertion to the 155th Separate Mechanized Brigade "Anna Kyivska."