More Ukrainian soldiers have deserted in the first 10 months of this year than in the previous two years of the war, highlighting Kyiv’s struggle to replenish its frontline ranks as Russia captures more territory in eastern Ukraine.
In a standout case in late October, hundreds of infantry serving in Ukraine’s 123 Brigade abandoned their positions in the eastern town of Vuhledar. They returned to their homes in the Mykolayiv region where some staged a rare public protest, demanding more weapons and training.
“We arrived [in Vuhledar] with just automatic rifles. They said there would be 150 tanks, there were 20 . . . and nothing to cover us,” said an officer from 123 Brigade, who spoke on condition of anonymity.
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