Since Russia’s invasion in February 2022, Ukraine has charged over 100,000 soldiers with desertion, according to its General Prosecutor. Desertions are depleting Ukraine’s forces, exposing vulnerable frontlines, and disrupting battle plans during a critical phase of the conflict.
Many soldiers cite exhaustion, trauma, and frustration with leadership as reasons for abandoning their posts. Some take medical leave and never return, haunted by the constant threat of death. One deserter described the frontlines as “a place where friends die, and you know you could be next.”
The fall of Vuhledar in October underscored the severity of the crisis, with entire units leaving their positions, leaving flanks exposed and resulting in territorial losses.
Root Causes of the Desertion Surge
Ukraine’s mobilisation drive, launched to bolster its forces, has largely failed to meet expectations. Frontline units are overstretched, with some battalions reporting that up to 20% of their troops have deserted. Psychological scars are widespread, and many soldiers struggle with the demands of prolonged combat.
Military prosecutors prefer persuasion over punishment, attempting to coax deserters back to duty. However, limited mental health support compounds the issue. Lawyer Tetyana Ivanova noted, “There are almost no healthy people left in the infantry.”
Despite the strain, Ukraine’s military presses on, balancing the need for reinforcements with addressing systemic issues within its ranks. “At this stage, I do not condemn anyone,” said an officer from the 72nd Brigade. “Everyone is just really tired.”