Ukraine is facing a growing crisis as thousands of soldiers abandon their units amid three years of war, with many citing exhaustion and a need for mental health support. Viktor, a former sniper who deserted his unit, described the battle as “furious” but said he realized he was just “a number” and couldn’t cope anymore.
The issue has made headlines in Ukraine, with the government launching an investigation into the 155th Mechanised Brigade after 56 soldiers disappeared while training in France. Deserter numbers are estimated to be large, but officials acknowledge it’s understandable when tired troops have served for months without a break.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy recently ordered a change in policy, integrating inexperienced recruits into existing battalions, in an effort to address the recruitment crisis. However, some soldiers who desert keep a low profile or live openly, with many citing a lack of frontline manpower and inadequate support for those injured during battles.
Olha Reshetylova, Ukraine’s commissioner for protecting service members’ rights, understands why people go AWOL, saying it’s natural in a situation where three years of major war have taken their toll. She advocates for fairness to individuals while balancing the needs of the state.
The government has proposed changes, including allowing transfers between units and providing training guarantees, but commanders have expressed concerns about blocking such requests due to personnel shortages. Reshetylova warns that if allies don’t send troops, Ukraine may struggle to contain the war alone.
As the crisis deepens, some soldiers are calling for a new approach, with Sergeant Major Andrii Hrebeniuk advocating for morale support and psychological resets. Despite the challenges, he believes it’s possible to break the stereotype that joining up means risking life and death.
The recruitment crisis highlights the human cost of Ukraine’s ongoing conflict, as soldiers struggle to cope with the prolonged fighting and seek support for their mental health.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jan/31/tired-mood-changed-ukrainian-army-desertion-crisis