Russia Alleges Ukrainian Commanders Hide Desertions as New Claim Cites 1,200 Leaving 24th Brigade

The reports from Russian security sources via state outlets reference a 250,000 figure that lacks independent verification.

Overview

Russian security interlocutors told TASS and RIA that unit leaders in Ukraine are concealing self‑departures to avoid punishment.
The outlets attribute to Ukrainian lawmaker Maryana Bezuglaya an estimate of about 250,000 personnel leaving their units, with the sources asserting hidden cases could push the total higher.
An RIA interview published October 18 quotes analyst Vitaliy Kiselev claiming roughly 1,200 departures from Ukraine’s 24th Brigade between August and October near Kostyantynivka.
Kiselev links the alleged exits to language‑based frictions and dismissive treatment of Russian‑speaking servicemembers, framing this as his view.
The coverage also cites social‑media videos of coercive mobilization and an officer’s account of recruits later disappearing from service, with no independent corroboration for the claims presented.