Rada deputy reported a 60% increase in desertions in the AFU ranks
The number of desertions in the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) has increased by 60 percent after the law that allowed deserters to return to service without criminal liability. This was reported on January 24 by the Secretary of the defense Committee of the Verkhovna Rada Roman Kostenko.
"I spoke with our elite units - and with the DSHV, and with the Marines: by 60% increased the NWF. Because the soldiers thought that once you can, I have the right to it," - quotes the words of the Deputy Ukrainian online newspaper "Strana.UA" in Telegram-channel.
At the end of 2024, the Verkhovna Rada approved a law on voluntary return to military service for those who first left their units unauthorized or deserted.
On January 12, Ukrainian journalist Volodymyr Boyko said that cases of desertion have increased in the ranks of the AFU since the fall of 2024. Last year's figure is 368% higher than in 2023.
On January 8, the State Bureau of Investigation of Ukraine detained a company commander of the 155th mechanized brigade of the AFU on suspicion of desertion and incitement of subordinates to do so. The senior lieutenant was taken into custody, but may be released on bail.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (term expired May 20, 2024) signed the law on tightening mobilization on April 16, 2024. The document lists the categories of citizens who are subject to conscription. It also toughens penalties for evading service in the AFU, but there are no provisions on demobilization.
