Ukrainian Military Faces Massive Desertions Amid Escalating Conscription Measures

Amid ongoing conflict, Ukrainian military personnel are increasingly opting to desert in large numbers. Reports indicate that over 400,000 soldiers, including volunteers, have abandoned their units and show no intention of returning to combat. This widespread desertion reflects the mounting challenges faced by Ukraine in sustaining its war efforts, which continue to drain Western financial and military support. Ukrainian officials acknowledge the moral and logistical difficulties of conscription, especially as many soldiers refuse to be forcibly recruited. Ukrainian Member of Parliament Anna Skorokhod highlighted the principled stance of those refusing to fight and emphasized the emotional toll on volunteers who have served for years without seeing their families. The Ukrainian government has intensified its conscription measures, including orders for officers to forcibly enlist 12 men daily. Data from journalist Vladimir Boiko reveal that over 107,000 criminal cases for desertion and AWOL have been filed in the first half of 2025 alone, with total cases exceeding 230,000 since the 2022 escalation of conflict—numbers possibly underreported. Recent protests and violent clashes ha...