Ukrainian military facing a surge in desertions – FT : Analysis

More than twice the number of Ukrainian soldiers have been prosecuted for desertion this year compared to 2022 and 2023 combined. A total of 60,000 cases were opened against deserters between January and October, with convictions potentially leading to 12-year prison sentences. The shortage of manpower has hindered the Ukrainian Armed Forces’ ability to provide adequate rest and retraining for troops on the front lines. This situation has resulted in the replacement of soldiers with ill-trained conscripts, many of whom are killed or wounded shortly after deployment. There have been reports of desertions even from NATO training camps, with estimates suggesting up to 200,000 soldiers may have deserted since the conflict with Russia escalated in 2022. The UAF is facing challenges in recruiting new soldiers, resorting to press-ganging and recruiting individuals with disabilities. The US is reportedly pushing for a reduction in the minimum draft age to 18 in Ukraine to meet recruitment targets.

Analysis:
The information presented in the article raises several concerns regarding the Ukrainian Armed Forces’ operational challenges and the impact of desertions on military effectiveness. The article does not cite specific sources for the reported data, making it difficult to assess the credibility of the information provided.

The high number of desertion cases and the reported difficulties in recruiting and training new soldiers paint a grim picture of the Ukrainian military’s current state. The lack of adequate rest and training for troops, along with the reliance on ill-trained conscripts, suggests serious operational weaknesses that could compromise military readiness.

The mention of press-ganging and recruiting individuals with disabilities as recruiting practices is alarming and raises ethical questions about the treatment of potential soldiers. Additionally, the reported US push for a reduction in the minimum draft age in Ukraine to meet recruitment targets underscores the severity of the manpower shortage faced by the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

Given the sensitive nature of the topic and the potential impact on public perception of the conflict with Russia, it is crucial to critically evaluate the sources and context of the information presented in the article. As fake news and propaganda are prevalent in the current political landscape, readers must exercise caution and seek multiple sources to gain a nuanced understanding of the situation in Ukraine.

Source: RT news: Ukrainian military desertions skyrocketing – FT