100,000 Desertions in Ukraine: Entire Units Vanish | WPN World People News

According to data from Ukraine's Prosecutor General, over 100,000 deserters have been prosecuted since the outbreak of the Russo-Ukrainian war in February 2022. Reports suggest the number of deserters could now exceed 200,000. Many soldiers, after taking medical leave due to injuries, never return to the battlefield. Some refuse to obey orders following disputes with their commanders during combat, and entire units have reportedly abandoned their positions, leaving defense lines vulnerable to Russian advances. Kyiv military experts warn that the problem is likely to worsen.

Serhii Hnezdilov, a rare case of a soldier openly discussing his decision to desert, took medical leave for a hand surgery and decided never to return. He shares recurring nightmares of being under heavy fire: "Fifty shells come from the Russian side, and we respond with just one. I saw my comrades killed right before my eyes, realizing I might be next." He adds, "If there is no end date to service, it feels like imprisonment. Psychologically, it's hard to find a reason to defend the country."

According to three officers and a spokesperson for Ukraine's State Bureau of Investigation, prosecutors and military officials prefer not to charge deserters unless efforts to persuade them to return fail.

While Russia also faces issues with desertion, the widespread absence of Ukrainian soldiers highlights deep-rooted problems within its military and the challenges Kyiv faces in managing the war. These include flawed mobilization efforts, overextension, and the hollowing out of front-line units. The New York Post notes that a manpower shortage could disadvantage Ukraine in future peace negotiations. Meanwhile, U.S. officials have urged Kyiv to lower the conscription age from 25 to 18.