Russian army faces massive desertion crisis amid Ukraine war

The war in Ukraine continues. It has been 1,000 days since the outbreak of the full-scale conflict. Journalists from "Important Stories" report that up to 1,000 soldiers from the 20th Guards Motor Rifle Division stationed in Volgograd left their unit without permission. Kremlin authorities are now searching for them.

In April of this year, the division's command reportedly asked authorities in various regions for help in locating the fugitives. Russia does not disclose data on the deserters, so journalists verified the obtained information.

Documents show that 1,010 military personnel deserted. Of these, 858 are contract soldiers, 150 mobilised, and 2 conscripts. Among the deserters are 26 junior officers, a major, and two lieutenant colonels. Journalists confirmed a list of names with the roster of 20 divisions from spring 2022. 31 people were found, but the rest joined during the course of the war.

The portal verified the identities of 65 other soldiers. At least 4 confirmed their disappearance. Three claimed they collaborated with an anti-war human rights project and did not want to fight. Furthermore, journalists spoke with the families of the deserters. They claimed they had to leave the unit due to the death of a close relative or have gone missing.

Thanks to court rulings, an additional 96 people were found. Data shows that military personnel argued they had to leave the unit to care for a close person or to help with domestic chores. Some did not hide and lived at home. They assured they would return to the front. Some returned after committing crimes, thus avoiding punishment.

The investigation's authors found 26 soldiers on the federal list of wanted persons on the Mediazona site. Another interviewee told journalists that he was injured and escaped. He is currently awaiting asylum in Europe.