Desertion Crisis: Unraveling the Deep-Rooted Issues in Russia’s Military Morale and Structure

The mass desertion in the Russian army, particularly in the context of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, highlights a multitude of deep-rooted issues within the Russian military structure and the morale of its soldiers. In 2023, the scale of the problem became starkly evident with a record number of 5,593 soldiers facing trials for desertions and related offenses​​. This surge is further exemplified by the significant increase in requests for help from Russian soldiers seeking to desert their units in Ukraine, with the Idite Lesom group, which assists Russians in evading participation in the war, reporting an 89% increase in such requests during the fall compared to the summer​​​​.

One of the primary reasons for desertion appears to be the disillusionment among soldiers, especially as they realize that there is no clear end in sight to their service. The absence of a rotation policy and the practice of sending even seriously wounded soldiers back to the front lines after minimal treatment have exacerbated the issue.

The high risk of being caught and the subsequent consequences make desertion a daunting option. Military patrols actively search for deserters, who are often detained and later sent back to the front, with desertion cases rarely reaching the courts​​. Those who are tried, according to Mediazona, often receive suspended sentences, but this does not prevent them from being redeployed to the front. A suspended sentence can be converted into a real jail term at any time, keeping deserters under tight control and limiting their options to war, prison, or disability​​.

Fleeing abroad emerges as one of the few viable options for ensuring that one is not sent back to the front lines. However, most servicemen lack international passports, a situation further complicated by legal amendments requiring men to surrender these passports soon after receiving a draft summons. Consequently, even if they reach neighboring countries that allow entry with an internal passport, moving on to safer countries becomes challenging. The support from organizations like Idite Lesom is crucial for these soldiers, highlighting the complex logistical and legal hurdles they face in their attempts to desert​​.