More than 28,000 Russians have been convicted of unauthorized absence from their unit during the war in Ukraine. This is a guide for those planning to go AWOL or who have already gone AWOL — it will help them make sure they do not return to service

More than 28,000 Russians have been convicted of unauthorized absence from their unit during the war in Ukraine. This is an instruction guide for those planning to go AWOL or who have already gone AWOL — it will help make sure they do not return to service

At the end of June 2026 alone, 13 people were put on the wanted list in Belgorod Region all at once — they had fled in unauthorized absence practically at the same time.

Often, “sochintsy” (as those who have left their unit without authorization are called) are caught. One scenario in such a situation is getting a real prison sentence, because that would ensure dismissal from service. At the same time, human rights defenders’ practice shows that detainees are often tried to be sent back to the war.

Together with “Call to Conscience”, we explain how events may unfold if a mobilized soldier or a contract serviceman has gone AWOL, and what needs to be done in order not to return to service.

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@meduzalive

Meduza

I went AWOL (SOCH). What should I do next, and what will happen to me?

During the full-scale war in Ukraine, more than 28,000 Russians have been convicted of unauthorized absence from their unit (according to data as of May 2025). People run because they do not want to fight. At the end of June 2026 alone, 13 people in Belgorod Region were put on the wanted list all at once…