In Ukraine, the number of desertions and AWOL cases sharply increased: regional data.

Ukraine records a record number of cases of unauthorized absence from unit and desertion

Currently, a record number of criminal proceedings have been opened in Ukraine regarding unauthorized absence from the unit (AWOL) and desertion since the Russian invasion. According to the Office of the Prosecutor General, as of September 2024, 89,127 such cases have been opened. Of these cases, 59,606 relate to unauthorized absence from the unit, and 29,521 to desertion.

The largest number of cases is registered in the Donetsk region - 13,892, which is explained by the hostilities in this area. The second place is taken by the Dnipropetrovsk region with 7,701 cases, and the third by the Zhytomyr region with 4,410 cases.

The number of AWOL cases significantly increased in 2024. While 6,641 proceedings were opened in 2022, and 17,658 in 2023, in the first nine months of 2024, this number reached 35,307.

However, only a portion of the opened cases reach the court. Of the 59,606 cases concerning unauthorized absence from the unit, only 4,698 reached the court, and of the 29,521 statements regarding desertion, only 442. Such a situation may indicate the complexity of proving guilt in such cases or the use of other punishment methods.

The problem of AWOL and desertion requires a comprehensive approach. The State Bureau of Investigations (SBI) is already using new methods to return unauthorized deserters to service. Changes in legislation allow courts to exempt such individuals from criminal liability under certain conditions.

Experts emphasize the need for further improvement of mechanisms for preventing and responding to cases of desertion and AWOL to ensure the country's effective defense capability in conditions of ongoing war.