Low Morale and Desertion Plague Ukraine’s Struggling Eastern Front

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Ukraine's military is facing significant challenges on the eastern front, with reports of low morale and rising desertion rates, particularly in areas like Pokrovsk, a strategic town that is now at risk of falling to Russian forces. After over two years of grueling conflict, many Ukrainian soldiers are finding it increasingly difficult to continue fighting. Commanders have noted that reinforcements are sparse, and the toll on troops is severe.

Dima, a former battalion commander, expressed his frustrations, stating that most of his men were either killed or severely injured in battle. He eventually left the front lines and now works in an office in Kyiv, unable to bear the loss of his soldiers any longer. His story is not unique; other officers have described a widespread sense of exhaustion and demoralization among their troops.

In Pokrovsk and other eastern front locations, Ukrainian soldiers are outnumbered and outgunned. Commanders estimate there are around 10 Russian soldiers for every Ukrainian fighter. New recruits, many of whom were conscripted under Ukraine’s recent mobilization law, are particularly vulnerable. They arrive at the front lines, see the brutal reality of the war, and often seek ways to leave the army or avoid combat altogether.

Desertion has become a growing concern, with Ukrainian prosecutors opening nearly 19,000 criminal cases in the first four months of 2024 against soldiers accused of abandoning their posts. Some commanders, however, are reluctant to report desertions, hoping instead to convince troops to return voluntarily.

Poor communication between units has further complicated the situation. One officer described how a neighboring unit's abandonment of their position left his flank exposed to Russian attacks. Despite the severity of these issues, Ukraine’s military leadership has been attempting to boost morale. Commander in Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi has been visiting front-line soldiers, emphasizing the importance of raising spirits.