Ukraine hopes to coax back thousands of AWOL troops with their choice of commander and deployment area

Ukraine is offering absent without leave (AWOL) troops the chance to choose their new military unit and role as part of a 100-day voluntary return program. The initiative, which allows selection from over 70 units across three ground branches, aims to address hundreds of thousands of AWOL cases and has a September 20 deadline for applications. The defense ministry emphasizes the program's flexibility but notes no guarantees for preferred units due to limited positions.