The detention period for serviceman Hnizdilov, who entered public service, has been extended.

The Pechersk District Court of Kyiv extended the preventive measure for serviceman Serhiy Hnezdylov of the 56th Brigade on November 29, who left his military unit without permission. He will remain in custody until January 15 without the possibility of bail. Hnezdylov's defense opposed the court's decision.

This was reported by journalists from Hromadske from the courtroom. It was noted that the investigation had not completed the pre-trial investigation by the previously set date (by December 9). Therefore, they submitted a request for an extension of the preventive measure. Despite the defense's protests, the prosecution granted it.

"Serhiy publicly stated that he is ready to return to service, so we believe this is not desertion. His SZCh is a manifesto for the authorities to hear the servicemen's need for demobilization," said lawyer Anastasia Burkovska.

She added that she categorically disagrees with the charge of desertion brought by the prosecution. The lawyer also emphasized that many people are willing to take responsibility for Hnezdylov. Among them are journalists, servicemen, and public figures, including director Maksym Nakonechnyi and investigative journalist Yaroslav Volvach.

The serviceman himself was not very talkative. He stated that he had already served for 5 years and then asked, "how much longer."

SZCh of Serhiy Hnezdylov

The unprecedented move by the fighter of the 56th Mariupol Separate Mechanized Brigade, Serhiy Hnezdylov, took place on September 21, 2024. He announced that he was leaving the military unit and going into SZCh. Hnezdylov explained his action as a way to draw attention to critical issues within the army.

In his address, 24-year-old Serhiy Hnezdylov recalled that his journey in the Armed Forces of Ukraine began back in 2019. At that time, as he remembers, he was told, "You are not made for war." However, despite these words, he became part of the Ukrainian army and underwent severe trials on the front lines.

Hnezdylov emphasized that, with five years of impeccable service, this step is an act of protest rather than a refusal of duty. He hoped that his action would provoke a discussion about establishing service terms and a fair approach to rotation. But on October 9, employees of the State Bureau of Investigations detained Hnezdylov, and on October 10, he was informed of the suspicion of desertion (part 4 of Article 408 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine). This article provides for imprisonment of up to 12 years.

The case of Serhiy Hnezdylov with his voluntary departure from the unit (SZCh) is not unique but reflects a deep and systemic problem in the Ukrainian army. This issue is larger than it seems. According to official data, Ukraine has recorded over 80,000 cases of SZCh, as reported by government representatives. However, these are just the official figures.