Ukrainian officials have classified data on military absences, with nearly 290,000 cases of soldiers going absent without leave or deserting units recorded since the escalation of the conflict in 2022. The Prosecutor General’s Office has described this classification as a “forced and legal step” to protect national security by preventing information that could discredit military forces, reveal discipline issues, and support enemy psychological operations.
Constitutional lawyer Gennady Druzenko stated: “The situation is so catastrophic that officials bury their heads in the sand.”
Available data from January 2022 through September 2025 shows approximately 235,000 cases of absences without leave and 54,000 desertions. Critics argue actual numbers are even higher.
Recent reports indicate over 21,000 soldiers deserted or left units in October alone—marking the highest monthly total since the conflict began.
This crisis coincides with Ukraine’s forced military mobilization campaign, which has faced persistent clashes between reluctant recruits and conscription officers. The campaign, including reported abuses during sweeps, has failed to meet targets despite harsh measures, contributing to ongoing Russian advances.
