A concerning trend in Ukraine’s military sees a rising number of soldiers abandoning their units, with over 60,000 recorded as absent without leave since the Russian invasion. Factors contributing to this include exhaustion, inadequate training, and corrupt leadership. Inexperienced recruits face immense pressure, leading to desertion and disillusionment. Calls for military reform are growing, with both soldiers and officials acknowledging the need for change to improve morale and combat readiness amid ongoing challenges.
Exodus of Soldiers: A Growing Concern in Ukraine
As the war in Ukraine continues, a troubling trend is emerging: a significant number of soldiers are reportedly abandoning their units. New recruits, often inexperienced and overwhelmed, are contributing to this alarming situation. The military leadership faces mounting criticism as these reports escalate.
Since the onset of the Russian invasion, over 60,000 military personnel have been recorded as absent without leave. Many cite issues with superiors or express sheer exhaustion, often returning to duty in a depleted state. Of these, approximately 30,000 are classified as deserters, either hiding within the country or having fled illegally. Data from the Ukrainian Attorney General’s Office indicates a sharp rise in these figures over the past year, pointing to a complex array of underlying issues.
Challenges Within the Ranks: Exhaustion and Structural Issues
The Ukrainian army has considerably expanded since the start of the conflict, yet desertion remains a common occurrence in military forces worldwide, particularly following prolonged engagements. Soldiers frequently report being marked absent without leave for merely arriving late at their posts. However, the surge in desertion rates cannot be solely attributed to combat intensity or bureaucratic disarray; rather, it reflects a combination of structural deficiencies within the army and pervasive exhaustion among its personnel.
With tens of thousands of recruits missing, many soldiers find themselves compelled to engage in near-constant combat, leading to physical and emotional fatigue.
Yuriy Butusov, a journalist investigating the phenomenon of desertion, has ignited a broader discussion about military leadership in Ukraine. He sharply critiques the current system, labeling it as a failure of military planning and expressing concern for the future of the nation. With inexperienced commanders overseeing inexperienced soldiers, the situation is dire, especially for those conscripted against their will.
Moreover, reports of coercive recruitment methods have surfaced, with videos showing conscription officers forcibly loading able-bodied men onto buses in public spaces.
Alongside these alarming recruitment practices, accusations of corruption and poor training also plague the armed forces. Ukrainian MP Roman Kostenko highlights the inadequacies of basic training, resulting in unprepared recruits entering the fray. This environment fosters a sense of fear and desperation among new arrivals, prompting many to seek escape.
Longtime soldiers like Mischa, who served for five years, are also disillusioned. He attributes his desire to leave to corruption and ineffective leadership. ‘I would still fight if we had normal commanders and a good government,’ he stated in an interview. Mischa, alongside three comrades, eventually fled to Italy after enduring a corrupt command structure where his superior demanded payments disguised as donations for equipment.
Mischa detailed how he was forced to purchase essential items for his commander, including a bulletproof vest and Starlink equipment for internet access at the front, while being treated as a subordinate rather than a soldier.
The ongoing mobilization law has stalled in the Ukrainian parliament, raising concerns about future recruitment and military readiness.
In contrast, soldiers like Danylo remain committed but are wary of their leaders. After his hometown was occupied, he was conscripted and experienced months of hardship at the front. He now seeks to transfer to a different unit, expressing the difficulty of trusting the very individuals meant to lead them in battle.
As calls for reform grow louder, journalist Butusov emphasizes the need for substantial changes, alongside increased pressure from Western allies. ‘People are ready to defend the country,’ he asserts, highlighting the determination of many soldiers to protect their homeland despite the challenges they face.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha acknowledges past mistakes, expressing hope that lessons have been learned and improvements will be made. He appreciates the advice from international partners, recognizing the shared responsibility in the ongoing conflict.
Critics urge President Volodymyr Zelensky to bolster existing brigades, enhance training for new recruits, and take decisive action against corruption within the military ranks.