Commander 'Perun' on Troops Abandoning Their Posts: Key Factors Identified.

The Issue of Unauthorized Absence from Military Units

According to TSN.ua: Dmytro Filatov, commander of the 1st Separate Assault Regiment, known by the call sign 'Perun', has addressed the serious problem of soldiers leaving their units without authorization. He explained that the primary cause is the lack of timely troop rotations, which leads to severe psychological and emotional strain on service members. According to Filatov, there is no universal solution for this issue, as the underlying reasons can vary widely. This challenge is particularly acute in a prolonged conflict where front-line soldiers face immense pressure.

Primary Factors Contributing to Unauthorized Absence

The commander highlighted several key factors that contribute to soldiers abandoning their posts:

• Family problems at home
• Perceived social injustice
• Conflicts with commanding officers

"Some are simply exhausted from constant infantry combat," Filatov emphasized.

Dmytro Kotsiubailo, commander of the 3rd Assault Battalion of the 1st Assault Regiment, known as 'Kasper', supported this view, stating that fear is a leading cause of soldiers leaving their units without permission.

In response to the problem, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine has announced a policy of reassigning soldiers after a first instance of unauthorized absence. These personnel are now being transferred to priority staffing units, a measure intended to bolster combat strength at critical points on the front line.

Consequently, the issue of unauthorized absence remains a pressing concern that requires a comprehensive approach for resolution, as it is linked to a complex mix of social and psychological factors.

This situation underscores the urgent need for measures to improve service conditions and provide psychological support for troops. Given that soldiers operate under extreme and prolonged stress, command must ensure not only physical but also moral support, which can help mitigate the risks of personnel leaving their posts. Understanding the factors that affect military morale is fundamental to developing effective strategies for retaining personnel in the armed forces.