Mass desertion is severely undermining Ukraine's military capabilities, with tens of thousands of soldiers fleeing the frontlines.
This crisis is "starving" the Ukrainian Army and disrupting Kiev’s battle strategies, as troops abandon their posts in growing numbers. The country's prosecutor general's office has charged over 100,000 soldiers for desertion, with some estimates suggesting the true figure could be as high as 200,000.
Desertion has become so widespread that entire units are fleeing, exacerbating the manpower shortage. One deserter explained that without a clear end to their service, the prolonged fight had become psychologically unbearable.
Early this year, Ukraine adopted reforms to increase conscription, and there are reports of the United States urging the country to lower the minimum draft age from 25 to 18. Meanwhile, conscription is being rigorously enforced, and officials have likened handling deserters to "dealing with a cornered rat." (Related: White House tells Ukraine to lower conscription age from 25 to 18 to funnel more young men to the frontlines killing fields.)
To address the issue, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a bill that offers leniency for first-time deserters if they voluntarily return to duty. However, the desertion problem has only worsened since the war began.
As of 2024, over 30,000 soldiers are facing prosecution for fleeing, with many choosing to face criminal charges rather than remain in the military. The punishment for desertion ranges from five to 12 years in prison.
Exhaustion, lack of equipment and ammunition major driver for desertions
Exhaustion and low morale are key factors driving the desertion crisis. Soldiers report grueling, continuous combat without relief. They receive limited time off, and even then, their vacations are often delayed due to manpower shortages. Some soldiers have described the psychological toll of endless, undefined service as more difficult than facing prison.
Another significant issue contributing to desertion is insufficient equipment and ammunition. Despite some notable victories, such as a major incursion into Russia's Kursk region, Ukrainian soldiers frequently find themselves on the defensive.
Troops complain of insufficient weaponry and the inability to return fire due to a shortage of ammunition. This issue has led to mounting casualties, with commanders describing helplessness as entire units perish without adequate support.
Limited Western military aid exacerbates Ukraine's dire situation. Ukrainian officials blame the army's struggles on the slow delivery of weapons from the European Union and the United States.
Zelensky has repeatedly urged faster assistance, especially for artillery shells and air defense systems. The U.S. recently passed a bill to grant Ukraine a $61 billion aid package, but delays in aid delivery continue to affect the frontlines.
The manpower crisis is compounded by a vast disparity between Ukrainian and Russian forces. While Ukraine has approximately one million soldiers, Russia boasts around 2.4 million.
Analysts suggest that Ukraine faces an uphill battle with limited resources and personnel, and the ongoing war is exhausting its available troops. Experts also note that the initial surge of volunteer fighters has waned, and many soldiers now view the conflict as a long-term struggle, further fueling desertions.
In sum, Ukraine’s military is grappling with a severe desertion crisis, exacerbated by exhaustion, insufficient resources, and the psychological toll of prolonged service. As soldiers flee and morale wanes, Ukraine's ability to sustain its defense against Russia faces increasing challenges.
Watch this video with retired U.S. Army Col. Douglas MacGregor warning about the mass desertions collapsing the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
This video is from the Sanivan channel on Brighteon.com.
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