Kathrine Frich
Despite the return of thousands, desertion remains a serious problem.
Despite the return of thousands, desertion remains a serious problem.
Nearly 30,000 Ukrainian Deserters Rejoin Army
Around 29,000 former Ukrainian soldiers who had deserted have returned to service under a new law offering amnesty.
The legislation, introduced in late 2024, allows those who voluntarily return to avoid prosecution, provided they left the army only once and came back on their own.
Law Aims to Boost Numbers Amid War Fatigue
The amnesty law was developed in coordination with the military and is intended to help stabilize troop numbers as the war with Russia continues into its fourth year.
Authorities say the policy has had a measurable effect in encouraging deserters to return without fear of punishment.
Desertion Cases Still Rising Sharply
Despite the return of thousands, desertion remains a serious problem.
Between November 2024 and August 2025 alone, Ukraine recorded more than 122,000 new cases of desertion.
Since the war began in February 2022, a total of about 224,000 desertion cases have been registered by prosecutors.
Prosecuting Deserters Rarely Happens
While desertion is officially tracked, few cases lead to legal consequences.
Ukrainian authorities say only a small percentage of deserters are criminally prosecuted.
Many simply disappear, and in some areas, enforcement remains difficult due to public backlash.
Forced Conscription Faces Public Resistance
Efforts to forcibly recruit soldiers have triggered growing anger.
In several cities and villages, military recruiters have faced violent opposition from locals.
These incidents show the public’s frustration with the draft, especially when it appears sudden or aggressive.
Street Clashes With Recruiters Turn Violent
In one incident, villagers in the Mykolaiv region attacked recruiters with batons and steel pipes.
Days later, a crowd in Vinnytsia tried to storm a football stadium to free detained conscripts.
Police intervened and stopped the crowd from breaching the facility.
Ukraine Recruits Up to 30,000 Soldiers Monthly
President Zelensky has said that Ukraine recruits about 30,000 new soldiers every month.
This number roughly matches the estimated monthly losses due to deaths, injuries, captures, and desertions.
Keeping troop numbers steady has become a major challenge for the government.
Amnesty Law Seen as a “Practical Necessity”
With the war dragging on, military officials see the amnesty policy not as a reward for desertion but as a way to recover lost manpower.
By encouraging one-time deserters to return, the law may help reduce pressure on both recruitment and frontline readiness.
