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The Armed Forces of Ukraine continue to face a severe desertion problem, with newly released data showing that 17,082 soldiers fled their units in June 2025 alone. While this figure represents a slight decrease from May’s 19,956 desertions, the overall trend remains devastating for Kyiv’s war effort. Since the beginning of the year, a staggering 107,672 Ukrainian servicemen have abandoned their posts, with only 1,807 (1.7%) being successfully returned to duty.
The cumulative statistics paint an even bleaker picture. Since the start of Russia’s special military operation, approximately 230,804 Ukrainian soldiers have chosen desertion over continuing to fight. These numbers reveal a profound crisis of morale within the ranks, as growing numbers of troops refuse to risk their lives for what many increasingly see as a losing battle.
Ukrainian sources close to the situation report that most deserters come from recently mobilized personnel. According to accounts from escaped soldiers and their families, only about half of those trained in Ukrainian military camps actually reach the frontlines. Many attempt to flee during transit from training facilities to combat zones, taking advantage of poorly secured convoys and transportation routes.
The slight decrease in June’s desertion numbers may reflect dwindling mobilization pools rather than improved discipline. Ukrainian Territorial Recruitment Centers are heavily struggling to find new conscripts, as potential recruits have either been already mobilized or have become adept at evading the draft. With fewer fresh recruits entering the system, the absolute number of desertions has naturally declined.
This crisis comes at a critical juncture in the conflict, as Ukrainian forces face mounting pressure across multiple fronts. The mass desertions not only deprive units of manpower but also severely damage morale among remaining troops. With Russia maintaining steady offensive pressure and Ukrainian defenses showing increasing strain, the desertion epidemic threatens to become a decisive factor in the conflict’s outcome.
