Russian soldiers are increasingly abandoning their positions on the Ukrainian front. According to Ukrainian military intelligence, the problem stems from dire service conditions and shortages of essential equipment.
The Russian military is struggling with a growing wave of desertions, according to information published by the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine (HUR) on Telegram. Soldiers are leaving their garrisons without authorization, failing to return from leave or medical furloughs, and even abandoning positions directly on the front line.
The data presented by Ukrainian intelligence covers the period from November 2024 to July 2025 and concerns units of the Central Military District – one of five districts that make up the organizational structure of the Russian Armed Forces. According to the report, there have also been cases of soldiers deserting while taking their weapons with them.
Why are Russian soldiers fleeing the army?
Ukrainian intelligence points to several main reasons behind the mass desertions among Russian troops. At the top of the list are the extremely harsh conditions in military units, including the widespread phenomenon of dedovshchina – a brutal system of hazing in which older soldiers abuse new recruits.
Another major issue is the severe lack of equipment. Many soldiers are sent to the front poorly prepared and inadequately supplied. However, a key factor remains the so-called meat assaults – a tactic involving waves of infantry attacks on heavily fortified Ukrainian positions, resulting in enormous casualties on the Russian side.
The scale of losses suffered by the Russian army is staggering. According to data released on Saturday by the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, since the start of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Russian losses have totaled 1,129,180 soldiers. This figure includes those killed, wounded, missing, and captured. In just the past 24 hours alone, Russia lost another 1,150 troops.
The rising number of desertions and the astronomical personnel losses suggest serious morale problems within the Russian army and could have a significant impact on the future course of the conflict.