Thousands of fugitives to be reclaimed by Ukraine, with over 29,000 individuals as the target
In the heart of Europe, Ukraine is grappling with a significant issue that threatens its military capabilities – mass desertion. Over the past year, an estimated 400,000 servicemen have left their posts, a number that continues to rise.
The reasons behind this exodus are manifold. Soldiers face harsh treatment from commanders, often denied the chance to return home until "victory." The ongoing combat stress and fatigue, coupled with limited rest, contribute significantly to the exhaustion and lack of motivation.
Bureaucratic obstacles also play a role, with soldiers eligible for discharge sometimes refused, causing frustration. Corruption and extortion are rampant, with commanders reportedly extorting combat pay from troops, further undermining trust and willingness to serve. Forced mobilization, including lowering of draft age and tightening enforcement, has led to violent clashes and protests, reducing voluntary compliance.
The consequences of this widespread desertion are stark. The Ukrainian army's effective manpower has dropped to about 500,000 active service members from a peak of 950,000 or more in 2022. This manpower shortfall enables Russian forces to exert a personnel advantage of approximately two-to-one, pressuring the front line and causing gaps in defense.
Operational capabilities are hampered, and morale is weakened, undermining Ukraine’s overall defense efforts. Only around 7% of deserters voluntarily return to service despite some amnesty offers, indicating persistent discontent within ranks.
However, there are potential solutions on the horizon. Improving troop treatment and morale, reforming mobilization policies, combating corruption, and offering better incentives for soldiers to remain and return to service are all being explored.
Ukraine has already taken steps in this direction, offering an amnesty to over 29,000 soldiers who deserted and returned to service between November 2024 and August 2025. The law grants immunity from prosecution to soldiers who return voluntarily for the first time.
Despite resistance and unrest, it is clear that addressing these issues is crucial for Ukraine's military strength and its ability to withstand the ongoing conflict. The road ahead may be challenging, but the first steps towards improvement have been taken.
- The widespread desertion in Ukraine's army, fueled by harsh treatment, combat stress, bureaucratic obstacles, and corruption, is not only threatening its military capabilities but also causing a personnel disadvantage vis-à-vis Russian forces in politics and general news.
- Ukraine, in an effort to combat desertion and improve its military strength, has taken steps such as offering amnesty to returning soldiers and exploring solutions like improving troop treatment, reforming mobilization policies, and combating corruption in politics and general news.
