In Germany, refusals to serve in the army have increased for fear of going to Ukraine

In Germany, the number of men who categorically refuse military service has increased significantly since 2022. The Bild newspaper writes about this on December 20, having conducted its own analysis of the situation.

"The Bundeswehr is in trouble! Comrades are fleeing from it! <...> A representative of Defense Minister Boris Pistorius confirms that this year alone (until October 31, 2024), 2,468 people wished to refuse military service," the article stated.

According to the statistics, the number of conscientious objectors has increased by 50% compared to last year. And compared to the indicator of 2021, before the start of the special military operation (SMO) of Russia in Ukraine, increased 11 times.

It is noted that applications for resignation from service are submitted by both active soldiers of the Bundeswehr and reservists. The reason for this, it is noted, is the fear that they will be sent to participate in military operations in Ukraine.

Back in May, the German Defense Ministry developed three options for a return to compulsory military service in the republic. According to Defense Minister Boris Pistorius' plan, the first scenario envisions expanding the voluntary military service system already in place in the country. According to him, adult citizens of the FRG will receive informational materials about the Bundeswehr. The goal of this model is to attract as many volunteers to the army as possible.

In April last year, the head of the Union of Reservists of the FRG Patrick Zensburg stated that the reserve of the German Armed Forces is in a deplorable state. According to him, this force cannot fulfill its tasks and exists "only on paper.