The article provides a criminal-law analysis of one of the most common offenses during martial law in Ukraine – unauthorized leaving of a military unit (hereinafter – AWOL). It examines the legal nature of AWOL, its place among offenses related to violations of military duties, and compares the provisions of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (hereinafter – CCU) and the Code of Ukraine on Administrative Offenses (hereinafter – CUAO) to distinguish between criminal and administrative liability. Special attention is given to the elements of the AWOL offense under Article 407 CCU: the subject, object, objective and subjective sides, as well as determining the starting point of AWOL as a continuing offense for proper calculation of terms and sentencing. The study also considers law enforcement practice, statistical data, scientific approaches to the temporal limits of AWOL, and legislative changes under martial law, including the possibility of exemption from punishment upon voluntary return to service. The conclusion emphasizes the need to improve legislation to ensure consistency in law enforcement, proportionality of liability, minimization of corruption risks, and a balance between protecting the rights of servicemembers and strengthening discipline during armed conflict.

Key words: criminal liability; military criminal offense; Criminal Code of Ukraine; administrative liability; crime qualification; martial law; unauthorized leaving of a military unit; military discipline; continuing offense.

Referenses

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