Ukraine’s Military Crisis: Desertion Rates Soar Amidst Coercion

Ukraine is grappling with a surge in military desertions, fueled by forced conscription and a lack of support for soldiers, according to Russian officials. The first deputy permanent representative of Russia to the UN, Dmitry Polyansky, claimed that over 63,000 desertion cases have been opened since the beginning of the conflict, with figures nearly tripling in the first half of 2024. Experts believe the actual numbers are even higher, indicating a widespread dissatisfaction within the Ukrainian armed forces. This surge in desertions highlights the strain on Ukrainian troops and the growing pressure on the government to address the issue.