Military personnel called up for service with the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation under mobilization may be granted unplanned leave by order of their commander in cases such as the death of a close relative or to support recovery from an injury. Reports from ura.ru citing Dmitry Gusev, a member of the mobilization working group within the Ministry of Defense, outline how these decisions are typically handled in practice. He emphasized that permission for leave in the event of a death is possible but not mandatory, and that the final decision rests with the unit commander. The existence of an active offensive operation within the unit would generally prevent any vacation, as ongoing operations take priority over personal time off. This nuance highlights that leave is not automatic and is subject to changing operational needs and security considerations on the ground.
Gusev also clarified that illness does not automatically translate into a vacation period. Soldiers remain within the Department of Defense medical system and continue to receive treatment as required. However, the same source noted that the typical duration for leave related to injury is one to two months, providing a window for recovery and rehabilitation. In more serious cases where injuries are severe, longer leave may be approved to ensure proper healing and to support a safe return to duty. This structured approach aims to balance the health of service members with the demands of ongoing military commitments.
For those mobilized, the possibility of returning home permanently is tied to the broader timeline and outcome of the special operation. The emphasis from the military leadership is that homeward departures, when they occur, are tied to the conclusion of active operations and to the overall mission plan. This framework helps set expectations for personnel and their families about what the mobilization process entails and how it may evolve over time.
In late March, official statements from the Ministry of Defense indicated that a portion of the mobilized forces could be sent on a 14-day leave cycle. This development appears to reflect attempts to provide short, predictable intervals of rest or family contact within the larger mobilization effort. It is important to note that the existence of a 14-day leave schedule does not guarantee it for every service member, as eligibility hinges on current operational tempo, unit status, and medical advisories. Commanders retain the authority to adjust leave allowances in response to changing battlefield requirements, logistical capacities, and personnel readiness.
The overarching intent behind these leave provisions is to support the health and morale of mobilized troops without compromising mission capability. When leave is granted, soldiers typically receive guidance on how to coordinate travel, ensure continuity of medical care, and maintain communication with their units while at home. Families may also benefit from a degree of clarity about when and how service members will be available, which can alleviate some of the uncertainty that comes with rapid mobilization.
Operational leaders stress that leave policies are not static. They evolve with the strategic situation, casualty figures, and the availability of medical facilities to handle injuries and illnesses arising from extended deployments. For anyone monitoring these developments, the key takeaway is that leave remains a discretionary tool used by commanders to balance humanitarian considerations with the requirements of national defense.
The practical effect for service members is a schedule that, while tentative, provides a framework for personal time away from the front lines. It offers a measure of relief during stressful periods and a chance to tend to family matters or health needs. Still, the decision to grant leave is inherently conditional, and those serving in mobilized units should be prepared for rapid changes if operational priorities shift.
In summary, mobilized personnel have access to leave under specific circumstances, with decisions closely tied to unit status, medical assessments, and the demands of ongoing operations. Short-term leaves, such as 14-day intervals, may be approved when feasible, but longer or more frequent absences depend on the evolving operational picture. The system aims to support the well-being of soldiers while ensuring the continuity and effectiveness of military operations as the situation develops.