By Gloria Nosa
The Russian military is facing an unprecedented wave of desertions as growing discontent over the prolonged war in Ukraine fuels a crisis within its ranks. Reports from independent Russian media, human rights groups, and Western intelligence sources suggest that hundreds — possibly thousands — of troops have abandoned their posts in recent months, despite harsh penalties for defection.
Analysts say low morale, heavy casualties, poor living conditions, and dissatisfaction with military leadership are driving the exodus. Many soldiers, some of them conscripts, are said to be disillusioned by the lack of clear objectives and the mounting human cost of the conflict.
According to the human rights organisation “Soldiers’ Mothers of Russia,” families have reported a surge in calls from servicemen seeking advice on how to leave the army or avoid frontline deployment. Some troops have reportedly fled to neighbouring countries, while others are hiding within Russia to escape redeployment.
The Kremlin has downplayed the reports, insisting that morale among its forces remains high and that the military is achieving its strategic goals. However, leaked internal documents suggest the Ministry of Defence has tightened surveillance on soldiers and introduced harsher disciplinary measures to stem the tide of desertions.
Western defence officials believe the desertion crisis could undermine Russia’s operational capacity, especially as Ukraine intensifies its counteroffensive in key territories. “A demoralised army cannot sustain prolonged warfare,” one NATO military analyst noted.
Meanwhile, critics within Russia say the mass walkouts are a symptom of a deeper problem — a war that many citizens no longer support, but are too afraid to openly oppose. With no end to the conflict in sight, the strain on the Russian military appears set to worsen, raising questions about the long-term viability of Moscow’s campaign.
