More Than 18,000 Russian Troops Reported AWOL Since Putin Invaded Ukraine, UK Says

Thousands of Russian troops have deserted, gone AWOL or refused orders since Putin invaded Ukraine back in February 2022.More than 18,000 Russian soldiers have been reported to the courts for being absent without leave since Vladimir Putin invaded Ukraine, the UK says.According to the latest update on X from the Ministry of Defence (MoD), 18,159 troops have been faced with a decade-long prison sentence for going AWOL between February 2022 and May 2025.That is a criminal offence in Russia and a staggering 17,721 (86.2%) of those soldiers were prosecuted.Citing Russian independent news outlet Mediazona, the MoD said a further 2,379 soldiers were reported to the courts for desertion or refusing orders.The British officials pointed out there are multiple reasons a soldier could desert.“Brutal discipline in the Russian Armed Forces, poor medical treatment for injured soldiers and inadequate military training all likely contribute,” the MoD said.Putin’s soldiers could end up serving on the frontline against Ukraine within 14 days of signing a contract – and just five days of relevant military training.The MoD continued: “This all runs counter to the official narrative that the Russian leadership values the military service of those who fight in Russia’s illegal war in Ukraine.“It is a realistic possibility that those prosecuted could commute their sentence by serving in the Russian Storm-Z convict assault units.”Latest Defence Intelligence update on the situation in Ukraine - 30 June 2025.Find out more about Defence Intelligence's use of language: https://t.co/U9HZW5XZyG#StandWithUkraine 🇺🇦 pic.twitter.com/1HYZ3viNES— Ministry of Defence 🇬🇧 (@DefenceHQ) June 30, 2025There have been multiple reports of low morale among Russian troops ever since Putin invaded.In 2023, UK intelligence suggested thousands of Russian casualties in Ukraine were linked to “alcohol consumption” and that soldiers could be “coerced” into joining to boost recruitment numbers.Despite this chaos within the Russian forces, Putin is still dragging his heels over possible ceasefire talks with Ukraine – even when US mediators suggest terms more favourable to Moscow than Kyiv.Related...Kyiv Hits Back After Nato Member's Call For Russia To Be Forgiven 'For Everything'Nato Statement Fails To Condemn Russia's War – While Trump Praises Putin's 'Kindness'Putin Ally Claims Nato Is Portraying Russia As 'A Fiend Of Hell' To Justify Defence Spending Boost

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