During the first ten months of 2024, the number of Ukrainian soldiers who left the front without permission exceeded that of the previous two years, reports the Financial Times, quoted by Focus.
According to data from Ukrainian military prosecutors, over 60,000 desertion cases have been filed, almost double the total for 2022 and 2023.
An example of the tension in the army is the protest of infantrymen from the 123rd Territorial Defense Brigade (TRO). At the end of October, hundreds of servicemen left positions in Ugledar, Donetsk region, to demand better weaponry and training in Mykolaiv region.
„We arrived in Ugledar with only assault rifles. They said there would be 150 tanks, but there were only 20, and there was nothing to cover us,” shared a brigade officer.
Front line impact
The sharp increase in desertion coincides with the increasing advance of the Russian army. Since the summer of 2024, Russia has conquered more Ukrainian territory than in the entire period since the beginning of the conflict in 2022. According to forecasts by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), Russian forces could seize over 2,700 square kilometers of Ukrainian territory this year.
However, some defectors have already returned to the front, while others remain in hiding.
Lack of rotations and mental exhaustion
Soldiers cite the lack of rotations as the main reason for their exhaustion. Rotations are typically scheduled every four weeks to allow time for rest, equipment repair, and training for recruits.
„We haven't had a rotation in three years. Ugledar was of no use to anyone. It's been a city in ruins for over a year,” stated a soldier from the 123rd Brigade.
Many military personnel report mental problems and feelings of exhaustion. While the civilian population supports efforts to defend the territory, not all are ready to take part in the fighting.
Hiding soldiers and deserters abroad
Some defectors have found a way to leave Ukraine, going to training camps abroad. A Polish security official reports that an average of 12 Ukrainian soldiers per month escape from these camps in Poland.
Perspectives for the year 2024
Analysts warn that the desertion situation could lead to the loss of significant territories that will be difficult to recover. The lack of sufficient military support and the fatigue of frontline soldiers put Kiev in a difficult position as Russian forces continue their advance.
According to officers and analysts, the command urgently needs to improve rotations and provision of resources to stabilize the situation on the front line.
The situation at the front remains tense, with desertion becoming a serious challenge for the Ukrainian army. Overcoming this problem will require significant efforts and changes in the strategies of the Ukrainian command.