Ukrainian Commander Biletsky: Desertion Losses Now Outweigh Combat Casualties

Personnel Losses and the Causes of Unauthorized Absence

According to Главком: In an interview with Olena Froliak, Third Army Corps Commander Andrii Biletsky stated that losses from soldiers leaving their posts without authorization now exceed the number of permanent combat losses on the front lines. He publicly disclosed that the total number of such desertion cases has reached 200,000, while noting that his Third Army Corps has the lowest rate of these incidents among all Ukrainian corps. This issue highlights a significant challenge for military discipline and manpower retention during a prolonged war.

Biletsky cited the example of the Third Assault Brigade, which has over 10,000 personnel. In the past month, 13 soldiers from this brigade left their units without permission. The commander clarified that some of these individuals later returned, resulting in a net loss of 13. He emphasized that approximately three-quarters of those who leave ultimately return to their units.

Factors Influencing a Soldier's Decision to Stay

Biletsky suggested that every soldier faces moments of potential breakdown, and he identified a sense of brotherhood and trust in one's commander as critical factors in preventing desertion. He argued that when a soldier feels respected by their commanding officer, it can act as a powerful deterrent against abandoning their post.

“The problem of unauthorized absence must be addressed with a comprehensive approach.”

Andrii Biletsky

The commander stressed that the necessary measures include:

• Having competent officers and sergeants who are held accountable for their mistakes;
• Providing high-quality combat training;
• Ensuring access to psychological support;
• Fostering a culture of respect and teamwork within the unit.

Biletsky's statements underscore the vital importance of managing the morale and psychological state of troops, especially under the extreme stress of prolonged combat. The reportedly low rate of unauthorized absence within the Third Army Corps may point to the effectiveness of its internal culture and command structure, which are essential for maintaining unit stability and combat effectiveness.