Summary
Many Ukrainians are deserting or leaving the army without permission as conflict with Russia continues. The training provided to conscripted soldiers is criticized as inadequate, leading some to choose leaving over fighting. Ukraine faces a serious shortage of servicemen as the war progresses.
Key Facts
- Over 235,000 Ukrainian servicemen have been reported absent without leave (AWOL) since the Russia conflict began in 2022.
- About 54,000 Ukrainian soldiers have officially deserted during the same period.
- Ukrainian authorities report a growing number of desertions and AWOL cases, with 176,000 AWOL and 25,000 desertions between September 2024 and September 2025.
- Soldiers can face between five and 12 years in jail for desertion, while going AWOL is punishable by up to 10 years in jail.
- About 30,000 men are mobilized monthly, but the military seeks 70,000 new recruits each month to maintain its forces.
- An amnesty was announced in November 2024 for first-time deserters, allowing them to return to their units without punishment.
- Ukrainian military leadership criticizes training as insufficient, leading to fear and desertion among conscripts.
