Desertions among Ukrainian troops soar in 2024 as morale plummets

Welcome back to our channel! Today, we’re diving into the alarming rise in desertions among Ukrainian troops in 2024, as morale hits an all-time low. Exhausted and frustrated, Ukrainian soldiers are abandoning the front lines in alarming numbers, with Russia making significant territorial gains in the east. According to the Institute for the Study of War, Russia has captured 2,700 square kilometers this year alone—compared to just 465 square kilometers last year. This stark contrast highlights the challenges facing Ukrainian forces. In fact, more Ukrainian troops have deserted their positions in the first ten months of 2024 than in the entire previous two years combined. This surge in desertion has led to 100,000 soldiers being charged since February 2022, with 60,000 of those cases opened just this year. One major factor contributing to this crisis is the lack of a rotation system. Soldiers at the front are not given the opportunity to take breaks for rest, training, or equipment maintenance, leaving them drained and vulnerable. Additionally, the lack of adequate equipment has left many troops feeling disheartened. Hundreds from Ukraine’s 123 Brigade, who abandoned their positions in the eastern town of Vuhledar, protested in the Mykolayiv region, demanding more resources. An anonymous officer from the 123 Brigade shared their frustrations, stating, “We arrived with just automatic rifles. They said there would be 150 tanks, but there were only 20… and nothing to cover us.” After nearly three years of war, morale is dwindling, making it increasingly difficult to find Ukrainian men willing to enlist. In response to a US request to lower the conscription age to 18, Dmytro Lytvyn, a communication adviser to President Zelensky, expressed skepticism, saying, “It doesn’t make sense when we can see that previously announced equipment is not arriving on time.” Delays in weapon deliveries mean that Ukraine lacks the necessary resources to equip its already mobilized soldiers. An anonymous officer from the 72nd Brigade attributed the loss of Vuhledar to desertion, stating, “No one needed Vuhledar,” referring to its destruction last year. “They’re just killing them instead of letting them rehabilitate and rest,” he added, highlighting the dire situation for troops sent to defend the devastated town. Deserters face severe consequences, including up to 12 years in prison, but the rules are becoming more flexible as desertions rise. In a concerning twist, President Zelensky expressed alarm over Russia's strategy to bolster its manpower with what could amount to 12,000 North Korean soldiers, labeled as “cannon fodder.” To encourage deserters to return, the Ukrainian parliament has voted to drop charges against first-time offenders who come back to their units. There’s also been a crackdown on forced conscriptions, with civilians being ambushed and taken to join the war. Defense Minister Rustem Umerov has pledged to end this practice, known as “busification,” and has promised that troops will have a choice regarding their unit and roles in the war effort. As the situation evolves, we’ll continue to bring you the latest updates. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell for more news. Thanks for watching!