More than 100,000 Ukrainian soldiers have been charged with desertion since Russia invaded in February 2022, according to the General Prosecutor. Desertion has become a growing challenge for Ukraine’s military, weakening frontline defenses and derailing key battle plans. Entire units have abandoned their posts, exposing vulnerabilities and leading to territorial losses.
Troops cite exhaustion, trauma, and dissatisfaction with leadership as reasons for walking away. Many leave on medical grounds and never return, haunted by the horrors of war. “It’s like sitting under fire, seeing friends die, and knowing you could be next,” one deserter said. The loss of Vuhledar, a strategically critical town, highlighted the scale of the problem as desertions left flanks exposed and undermined defenses.
A Symptom of Systemic Issues
The desertion crisis has revealed deeper flaws in Ukraine’s military structure. A controversial mobilisation drive failed to meet recruitment goals, leaving many units overstretched. Some battalions report losing up to 20% of their soldiers to desertion, further depleting already thin ranks.
Military prosecutors avoid pressing charges when possible, focusing instead on persuading soldiers to return. However, psychological trauma remains widespread, with insufficient mental health support for troops. Lawyer Tetyana Ivanova warned that acquitting soldiers on psychological grounds could set a dangerous precedent, as “there are almost no healthy people left in the infantry.”
Despite these challenges, Ukraine’s military continues to fight on multiple fronts, balancing the need for reinforcements with addressing the morale and well-being of its troops. As one officer put it, “Everyone is just really tired.”