In an interview on the Telemarathon program broadcast on January 2, President Zelensky explained that desertions peaked last fall but have eased in recent months.
“A long war makes people tired. Our people are resilient, but fatigue is inevitable. And when there are not enough reserves, the pressure is on the frontline soldiers,” Mr. Zelensky said.
In November 2024, the AP reported that up to 100,000 Ukrainian soldiers had been accused of deserting, but many experts believe the actual number could be double that. The main reason is believed to be the lack of rotation, which has led many soldiers to see desertion as the only way out.
To alleviate this situation, the Ukrainian government has decided not to prosecute soldiers who desert for the first time if they return to service before January 1, 2025. However, this policy is only temporary and cannot solve the problem at its root.
Ukraine’s conscription campaign is also facing challenges. The Kiev government has lowered the conscription age to 25 and increased penalties for draft dodgers. Videos of forced conscription have circulated on social media, sparking outrage.
Meanwhile, the United States - Ukraine's biggest ally - is pressuring Kiev to lower the military age to 18. Some say President Zelensky may be using this decision as a "card" to negotiate with international partners.
With the current situation, Ukraine faces the risk of a decline in fighting spirit and a long-term shortage of forces. The big question is whether President Zelensky has enough strength to turn the situation around when the Russia-Ukraine conflict has no end in sight?
