Ukraine’s Military Struggles with Low Morale and Desertion Amid Ongoing Conflict
The Ukrainian military is facing severe challenges as it battles low morale and increasing desertion rates amid a prolonged and grueling conflict with Russia. Dima, a former battalion commander, reflects on the harsh realities of war. Having led around 800 men in intense battles near Pokrovsk, a key eastern town now perilously close to Russian capture, Dima found himself unable to continue amidst heavy losses and severe injuries among his troops. He has since shifted to a non-combat role in Kyiv.
The prolonged conflict, marked by a grinding Russian offensive, has left many Ukrainian units depleted and struggling. Reinforcements are scarce, leading to exhaustion and demoralization, particularly among infantry units. Six commanders and officers reveal widespread issues with desertion and insubordination, particularly among newly conscripted soldiers who were drafted under Ukraine’s new mobilization law.
Discipline problems have been exacerbated by a shortage of critical resources. Last winter and spring, delays in receiving US military aid led to a severe ammunition shortage, further eroding morale. Soldiers often found themselves in advantageous positions without the necessary artillery support, contributing to a sense of helplessness.
Desertion has become a significant concern, with nearly 19,000 soldiers facing criminal proceedings for abandoning their posts in the first four months of 2024 alone. The Ukrainian government has decriminalized first-time desertion and absence without leave, aiming to address the issue more constructively.
The eastern front, particularly around Pokrovsk, has become a critical battleground. Russian forces have been making steady advances, putting Ukrainian defenders at a disadvantage with a reported 10 to 1 ratio of Russian to Ukrainian soldiers. Communication issues and a lack of coordinated efforts between different units have further hampered Ukrainian defenses.
In response to these challenges, Ukraine’s Commander in Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi has acknowledged the importance of boosting morale, emphasizing efforts to improve soldiers’ well-being and addressing their concerns directly. Additionally, military officers, like Andryi Horetskyi, are focusing on providing psychological support and small comforts to help alleviate the monotony of war.
Despite these efforts, the ongoing conflict continues to strain the Ukrainian military. Many experienced officers, including Dima, are leaving frontline positions due to disagreements and the high toll of continuous combat, leaving units increasingly vulnerable.
