The Challenge of Soldiers Abandoning Their Posts in Ukraine
Igor Lutsenko, a military figure and public activist, highlights the ongoing issue of soldiers leaving their units without authorization in Ukraine. Today marks the fourth and final deadline for those servicemen to return under a simplified process without facing punishment. According to Lutsenko, three main factors drive this phenomenon:
- inadequate preparation during training,
- clashes with commanding officers,
- insufficient financial compensation.
Estimates suggest that approximately 400,000 cases of unauthorized absence have been recorded nationwide. The majority of soldiers desert during their time at training centers. Lutsenko explains,
“the highest dropout rate occurs at training centers, where newly enlisted soldiers, often unprepared both mentally and physically, are pushed into infantry roles.”The second major cause relates to disputes with leadership, which can stem from both commanders and subordinates. The third issue is the low level of military pay, which has remained unchanged throughout the conflict despite significant inflation.
Lutsenko also points out that
“the state is not addressing the root causes”, instead focusing on treating the symptoms of this critical military problem. He advocates for decriminalizing unauthorized absence and replacing penalties with fines, which could simplify the situation for many. Notably, in December 2025, the government concealed statistics on unauthorized absences and conviction rates, figures which Lutsenko describes as
“two separate national embarrassments.”
Current Status of Unauthorized Absences
It’s important to note that the first unauthorized absence offense carries no real punitive consequences. However, Lutsenko remarks that the legal process causes significant strain on investigators, prosecutors, and judges, who may spend years delivering verdicts. The government has established several deadlines for soldiers to voluntarily return without penalty:
- January 1, 2025 – initial legislative amnesty window,
- March 1, 2025 – extension of the amnesty mechanism,
- August 30, 2025 – expanded amnesty period.
After each deadline, returning soldiers remain liable to punishment without the benefit of leniency.
Looking ahead, the 2027 state budget draft includes a proposal to increase military pay by over 20%. Lutsenko expresses cautious optimism:
“There is hope for 2027, with a notable budget increase planned for soldiers’ compensation.”Yet he also criticizes the current transfer system between units as
“a slow nightmare,”where even mutual consent between commanders can be stalled for months.
In summary, the issue of soldiers abandoning their units in Ukraine remains a complex challenge requiring multifaceted solutions. These include improving training programs, fostering better relationships between troops and leadership, and raising financial support for servicemen.
This problem has serious implications for Ukraine’s defense capabilities, especially amid ongoing conflict. Addressing the root causes—such as underfunding and leadership conflicts—is essential to maintain troop morale. Enhancing preparation and service conditions could reduce desertion rates and help stabilize the Armed Forces of Ukraine.