The Libertarian Institute noted that several media outlets have reported on the trend, with estimates of desertion varying widely. The Times of London cited government data revealing that "51,000 criminal cases for desertion and abandonment of military units" were opened from January to September. The Kyiv Post suggested that around 60,000 individuals are facing charges for fleeing since the start of the war, with nearly half of these cases initiated this year.
Spanish newspaper El Pais reported that 45,000 Ukrainians faced prosecution for desertion from the start of the year through August. Meanwhile, Qatar's Al Jazeera noted at least 30,000 desertions.
At the beginning of the year, estimates indicated that Kyiv had between 500,000 and 800,000 active-duty soldiers, along with an additional 300,000 reservists. But given the 51,000 desertion cases launched by the Ukrainian Prosecutor General's Office for the first nine months of 2024 alone, the actual number of deserters could triple last year's total. The number of desertion prosecutions has surged during the war – from 9,000 cases recorded in 2022, it almost tripled to 24,000 last year.
The country has suffered significant casualties in its defense against Russian advances and during the ongoing Kursk invasion. Alongside this, more Ukrainian soldiers have deserted the army in 2024 than at any time since the war began, with prosecutions for desertion reportedly exceeding 30,000 – potentially even higher. This figure marks a significant increase from previous years, when the initial influx of volunteers helped push back Russian forces.
Deserters prefer being thrown in jail instead of the meat grinder
The demographics of those deserting are unclear – it remains uncertain whether most are conscripts or if volunteers are also leaving. While foreign volunteers can exit after six months of service, Ukrainian conscripts are bound indefinitely by a general mobilization law in effect since March 2022. To bolster its ranks, Ukraine has lowered the conscription age from 27 to 25, with American politicians advocating for a further reduction to 18.
Those convicted of desertion face prison sentences ranging from five to twelve years. However, many defectors express that prison may be a preferable option compared to the uncertain, potentially endless hardships of combat. In response to the rising desertion rates, Ukraine's parliament decriminalized first-time attempts to flee the army as of Aug. 20, 2024, provided that deserters agree to return to duty. (Related: Ukraine rushing to recruit PRISONERS to fight on the frontlines as troops dwindle.)
Soldier Serhii Hnezdilov was arrested after publicly protesting conditions in the military on social media and was subsequently investigated for desertion. "At least in prison you know when you will be able to leave," he remarked following his apprehension.
Analysts attribute the desertion surge primarily to low morale and exhaustion among troops. Soldiers report relentless combat with insufficient rest, often going from one battle to another. Though they are entitled to two ten-day breaks per year, manpower shortages can delay even these short vacations. Many soldiers and their families advocate for longer breaks to help manage burnout.
The state of the Ukrainian army is concerning, with estimates of military casualties potentially reaching tens of thousands. Western sources suggest around 80,000 Ukrainian soldiers may have been lost in combat. The ongoing shortage of personnel is compounded by reports of severe weaponry and ammunition deficiencies, leading to a stark disparity in combat effectiveness against Russian forces.
Despite some successful offensives, such as a significant incursion into Russia's Kursk region, Ukrainian troops often find themselves outmatched. Many soldiers express frustration at being unable to engage the enemy due to a lack of ammunition, and feeling guilt for not providing adequate support to their comrades.
Watch this video of Ukrainian soldiers in Russia's Kursk region fleeing back to Ukraine to avoid encirclement by Russian forces.
This video is from The Prisoner channel on Brighteon.com.
More related stories:
Ukraine so desperate for new troops that Zelensky is now drafting PRISONERS to fight his war.
Bad news for Kyiv: Elite Ukrainian troops SURRENDER to Russians in Kursk.
Young male Ukrainians hide in their homes after fears of forced conscription.
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