Ukraine on the brink as huge numbers of soldiers desert their posts as Russia gains ground

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The number of soldiers accused of abandoning their posts has soared. (Image: Getty)

Record numbers of Ukrainian soldiers are deserting their posts as Russian troops continue advancing, countering August’s incursion into Kursk.

There were more desertions between January and October 2024 than in the . During the same period, 60,000 new desertion cases were opened – nearly twice the number for 2022 and 2023 combined.

Since the war broke out in February 2022, over 100,000 soldiers have been charged with desertion, according to figures from ‘s prosecutors general’s office.

Insider sources revealed to the Associated Press that tries not to press charges against deserters unless they don’t eventually return to their posts.

This has been exacerbated by ‘s struggle, like , to recruit new soldiers for their armed forces. Some have suggested to 18 or lowering the draft age.

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Ukraine's 95th Air Assault Brigade Holds Positions Near Kreminna

Over 100,000 soldiers have been charged with desertion since February 2022. (Image: Getty)

Lowering the draft age would be a highly controversial move, but one that has done before. In April this year, it was lowered from 27 to 25.

‘s communication advisor, Dmytro Lytvyn, hit back at calls to lower the mobilisation age, saying it “doesn’t make sense” and pinpointing the real issue as equipment delays.

He wrote on social media: “[It’s] resumably in order to draft more people, when we can see that previously announced equipment is not arriving on time. Because of these delays, already mobilised soldiers.”

An unnamed source in ‘s presidential office said that while more troops could make a “significant difference” to the course of the war, it won’t make up for the delays in supply chains.

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They told Reuters: “We cannot compensate for our partners’ delays in decision-making and supply chains with the lives of our soldiers and of the youngest of our guys.

“Mobilisation and more manpower at this time as we look at the battlefield today.”

recently lost the bastion town of Vuhledar, which an anonymous officer with ‘s 72nd Brigade said was mainly down to desertion. They told AP: “It is clear that now, frankly speaking, we have already squeezed the maximum out of our people.”

This comes after other Ukrainian losses as continues to make gains in the east, taking key areas such as Avdiivka and threatening to capture the strategic hub of Pokrovsk.

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