News18,000 Russian soldiers desert, highlighting the crisis of morale in the ranks

18,000 Russian soldiers desert, highlighting the crisis of morale in the ranks

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Images source: © Getty Images | Michael Sugrue

10:19 AM EDT, April 29, 2024

As many as 18,000 Russian soldiers were reported to have deserted the military during the war in Ukraine. Many of these individuals are conscripts mobilized at the onset of the conflict. Ukrainian media suggest that low morale could be the reason for this.

Russian Southern Military District soldiers stationed in Ukraine are increasingly abandoning their posts, reports "Kyiv Independent," citing the Ukrainian military intelligence agency.

Observers note that the Russian Armed Forces in Ukraine face persistent low morale issues. According to Ukrainian media, of the 18,000 soldiers from the Southern Military District deserting, about 12,000 are from the 8th Combined Army – a unit often engaged in military operations in eastern Ukraine.

The breakdown of those leaving the ranks reportedly includes 10,000 mobilized conscripts and 2,000 contract soldiers.

Ukraine encourages desertion and defection

The British Ministry of Defense indicated earlier this month that Russian forces in Ukraine are predominantly contract soldiers and reservists mobilized towards the end of 2022. However, it is reported that conscripts are frequently coerced into signing contracts.

According to the agency's statement, around 2,500 soldiers have deserted from the Russian 58th Combined Armed Army, reports "Kyiv Independent."

Ukrainian authorities are known to encourage desertion or defection among Russian army units. In September 2022, Ukrainian military intelligence established a hotline to assist Russian soldiers wishing to surrender.

Stories about Russians opting to stop fighting are commonplace. Recently, we shared the story of a Russian who deserted due to his wife's infidelity during his time on the front and her demands for financial compensation in the event of his death.