Russian soldier desertions hit historic high amidst Ukraine conflict

In March, the highest level of desertion among Russian soldiers in history was recorded. The number of asylum applications submitted by Russians in Western countries trying to avoid military service is also at an exceptionally high level.

The British Ministry of Defence referred to data from the independent Russian news service Mediazona in its daily report. According to this information, in March of this year, Russian military courts convicted as many as 684 soldiers for desertion, marking the highest number in history.

Since the partial mobilization in September 2022, 7,400 cases have been documented, with a significant portion, roughly 496, occurring in the Moscow region.

The British Ministry of Defence explained that many soldiers who were caught and brought to trial received suspended sentences. After receiving these, they rejoined their units and were sent back to the front line.

Simultaneously, the number of asylum applications submitted by Russians in Western countries aiming to dodge military service has hit a record high.

The British Ministry of Defence emphasized that "Russian soldiers, including those forcibly recruited during the September 2022 partial mobilisation, are required to remain in military service indefinitely, with little prospect of release". This might explain the high number of people who choose to desert or seek asylum in Western countries.