By Gloria Nosa
The Russian military is facing an unprecedented internal crisis, as reports emerge that over 20,000 soldiers have been court-martialed for refusing to participate in the ongoing war against Ukraine. This massive figure, revealed by independent watchdogs and corroborated by several international outlets, exposes growing resistance and morale breakdown within President Vladimir Putin’s armed forces.
The revelations come as the war, now stretching well beyond its second year, continues to drain Russian resources, manpower, and public support. While the Kremlin has consistently projected an image of strength and unity, the staggering number of disciplinary cases suggests deep fractures within the military hierarchy.
Widespread Disobedience and War Fatigue
According to Russian human rights groups and leaked court documents, thousands of contract soldiers and conscripts have refused direct deployment, abandoned their units, or simply declined to return to the front lines after short leave. Many of those who resisted cited psychological trauma, lack of proper training, disillusionment with the war’s objectives, or moral opposition to killing civilians.
In numerous cases, soldiers reportedly faced charges for “desertion,” “failure to follow orders,” or “abandoning posts.” Legal experts say these are grave charges under Russia’s military code, often resulting in multi-year prison sentences or forced reassignment under stricter conditions.
Analysts believe the real number of refusals could be even higher, as some cases are being quietly handled outside of formal court-martial proceedings to minimize public backlash and media scrutiny.
A Symptom of Deeper Military Strain
This wave of court-martials highlights mounting pressure within the Russian military system. Despite repeated claims of progress, Russian forces have suffered heavy casualties, logistical issues, poor troop rotation, and diminishing morale, especially among younger and less experienced units. The Kremlin’s controversial mobilization campaigns, launched in late 2022 and early 2023, forced hundreds of thousands of civilians into military service—many with minimal preparation.
While military command continues to maintain a hardline stance on discipline, the mass court-martials reflect an army stretched thin and struggling to maintain internal cohesion.
“This isn’t just about soldiers refusing orders—it’s about a military reaching its breaking point,” said a senior Western intelligence official. “You cannot force loyalty with prison sentences when the mission itself has become indefensible to many of the men asked to carry it out.”
Growing Dissent and Public Concern
Inside Russia, censorship and harsh crackdowns have silenced much open criticism of the war, but dissent continues to simmer below the surface. Families of soldiers—many of whom were involuntarily conscripted or misled about the nature of their deployment—have increasingly voiced concerns about abuse, mistreatment, and lack of clarity about the war’s goals.
Internationally, these developments are fueling further calls for a peaceful resolution and renewed sanctions against Moscow. Western nations see the internal collapse in discipline as a sign that Putin’s long-term war ambitions may not be sustainable without even more brutal measures against his own people.
The court-martialing of over 20,000 Russian soldiers marks a critical moment in the Ukraine conflict. Beyond the battlefield losses and strategic missteps, it underscores the deep psychological, moral, and logistical toll this war has taken on the Russian military machine. As the war drags on, the Kremlin now faces not just external opposition, but rising defiance within its own ranks—posing a serious threat to the stability and effectiveness of its armed forces.
