National Guardsman Sentenced to 5 Years for Desertion After Injury: Details of the Verdict.

According to ТСН: In Zaporizhzhia, the Shevchenkivskyi District Court issued a verdict for a serviceman of the National Guard, who, after undergoing treatment in a hospital, decided not to return to the front. The man admitted he was afraid of a new combat assignment.

Details of the Escape

The defendant, mobilized for military service, was a grenadier in the National Guard unit and participated in combat actions since May 2023. In February 2024, during an enemy drone attack, he was injured. After a month of treatment in a hospital in Zaporizhzhia, the soldier was to return to his unit on April 5.

However, instead of that, he went home, where he lived with his civilian girlfriend. The man explained his actions by fearing for his own life after learning about the next difficult combat assignment from his commander.

Defendant's Position

In court, the fighter fully acknowledged his guilt and confirmed that he was aware of his duty but consciously chose to evade service. He candidly stated:

he has no intention of continuing military service even now.

During his 'leave,' the man did not change his phone number but did not contact either law enforcement or his command on his own. He was detained in September 2025.

Verdict of the Court

The court took into account both mitigating circumstances, such as sincere remorse and previous participation in combat actions, and aggravating factors — desertion during a state of war, which undermines the army's combat capability.

The judge found the man guilty under Part 4 of Article 408 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (desertion during a state of war) and imposed a punishment of 5 years of imprisonment, which is the minimum term according to this article.

Until the verdict takes legal effect, the convicted person will remain in custody.

It is recalled that in Zaporizhzhia, a military conscript who left military service back in 2022 was sentenced to 5 years of imprisonment.

This case emphasizes the seriousness of desertion during wartime, as such actions can negatively impact the morale of military units and the overall situation at the front. The court's verdict establishes clear legal consequences for those who evade their duties at a critical time for the country.