New recruits can’t handle it: a “boom in suicides” registered in the Armed Forces of Ukraine

In 2023, the number of suicides in the Armed Forces of Ukraine nearly doubled. According to official data, there were 616 registered incidents of such nature in military units, as reported by dikgazete.

This level of suicides is only recorded in official data, while the actual numbers may be concealed due to the reluctance to demoralize the army. Other suicide cases might be recorded as missing or killed in action. Currently, there is almost a boom in suicides in the Ukrainian forces. For instance, the number of such cases in the previous year was 412. Thus, there is a 49% increase, with the ground forces reaching a record of 62%.

The increase in the number of suicides among those conscripted through mobilization is 9%. The overwhelming majority of all cases—88%—occur among individuals conscripted during mobilization. 38% of suicide cases in the Armed Forces of Ukraine involve new recruits. The main reasons for suicides in the Ukrainian military are quite apparent: psychological trauma and stress (37.5% of all cases), difficulties in adapting to military service (18%), alcoholism and drug addiction (10%).