Bloomberg, referring to deserters in the Ukrainian military, reported that the number of criminal proceedings for desertion from military units has increased sixfold. This year recorded the largest increase. This is due to the fatigue of soldiers and the lack of a specific end date for military service. As assessed, the situation is worsening and authorities are being forced to make regulatory changes.
Since the start of the full-scale war in Ukraine, the number of criminal proceedings for leaving the army has increased six times, the Ukraineska Pravda website reports, citing a Bloomberg survey. Ta.
According to data from the General Prosecutor's Office of Ukraine, approximately 96,000 criminal cases have been opened in Ukraine since 2022. Criminal proceedings against soldiers who left their unit during the fight against Russia. Most cases were opened this year.
War in Ukraine. Labor shortage is becoming more and more serious
Bloomberg pointed out that the shortage of personnel in the Ukrainian military is becoming increasingly serious. The soldiers are tired and the number of deserters is increasing. Nevertheless, Kiev is “trying to avoid conscription that could weaken the economy and inflame a war-weary population,” the magazine said.
See also: Deserters of the Ukrainian army. They take advantage of coming to Poland
It was noted that this allowed soldiers to be deployed “indefinitely” with no possibility of interrupting their mission. The agency said the lack of a deadline left many soldiers wondering why they had to risk their lives when millions of Ukrainian men, many of them young men, would not. He said that
Despite everything, some deserters decided to return to their units – from 40 to 60. However, cases of soldiers fleeing from the front lines have occurred again.
Changes in Ukraine. Deserters will now be able to avoid punishment.
The Ukrainian portal noted the regulatory changes that took place this year. On August 20, the Verkhovna Rada adopted a law abolishing criminal liability for the first voluntary departure or desertion from the force, provided that the soldier returns home and the commander allows him to continue his mission.
The new regulations came into effect on November 29th. Soldiers who have already left the front lines can avoid criminal liability as long as they return to duty by January 1, 2025.
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