Over 37,000 cases: In 2024, the number of desertion and unauthorized absence from military units in Ukraine sharply increased

In 2024, Ukraine experienced a sharp increase in the number of desertions and unauthorized departures from military units.

This was stated by political analyst Oles Doniy.

Doniy noted that according to official data, 37,000 such cases were recorded in the first seven months of 2024, compared to 21,000 in 2023 and 9,000 in 2022.

However, according to him, military personnel claim that the real number of such cases is twice as high, as many are simply not recorded.

It is worth noting that recently, the Verkhovna Rada supported a bill allowing for the possibility of not punishing soldiers for unauthorized departure from their unit for the first time if they are willing to return to service.