Russian Reports Allege Harsh Treatment Deters Ukrainian Deserters From Returning

Overview

• Ukraine’s April law allowed troops who left their units to return without penalty by August 30, but sources say only about 10% used the offer.
• Those who came back are reportedly held for months at training grounds in an undefined status, with any deaths there not counted as in-service fatalities.
• Individuals seeking reassignment after leaving their units are said to be pressured to sign for transfer into assault formations.
• Sources describe added barriers since early September, including transfers only via criminal proceedings that clog courts and delays by original units in processing removals from personnel lists.
• Ukrainian rights advocates are cited as blaming bureaucracy, while the Russian sources argue the primary deterrent is abusive command practices and forced mobilization.