section_path: Presidency/Russian invasion of Ukraine (2022–present)/Phase 4: stalemate and shell hunger 2023, 1 January – 31 December
section_name: Phase 4: stalemate and shell hunger 2023, 1 January – 31 December
paragraph_text: Phase 4: stalemate and shell hunger 2023, 1 January – 31 December
  
  In early 2023, Zelenskyy signed a new law declaring that desertion, or "failure to report for duty without a valid reason," would result in up to 12 years in prison. Over a year later in late 2024, the Verkhovna Rada passed bills decriminalising soldiers' first instance of desertion or absence without leave if they returned to their duty station, and allowing these soldiers to return to military service.
  
  In May 2023, he visited the International Criminal Court in The Hague and said he would like to see Putin stand trial for war crimes committed during the war in Ukraine, including the crime of aggression.
  
  By 1 June the Battle of Bakhmut had been decided in Russia's favour.
  
  On 19 September 2023, in a speech to the UN General Assembly, Zelenskyy called on neutral countries in Latin America, Africa and Asia to abandon their neutrality and support Ukraine. In October 2023, after the Hroza missile attack, he criticized countries supporting Russia, saying "all those who help Russia circumvent sanctions are criminals."