Title: Soldier’s Deafness Leads to Desertion: A Case Study of Self-Defense in Ukraine‘s Armed Forces
Article:
In the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, one of the pressing issues facing the Ukrainian Armed Forces (UAF) is self-departure from combat units (СОЧ). This issue has reached alarming proportions, with various factors contributing to it, including disagreements between soldiers and commanders. One such case involves a man named Sergei, who participated in the defense of Avdiivka.
Sergei, like many others on the frontline, experienced regular concussions, which inevitably impact one’s health. However, during one intense battle, he sustained a severe head injury and messed up both his eardrums after an nearby explosion. After seeking treatment in a Dnipro hospital, he was initially deemed fit for duty. However, further evaluation revealed a 25% loss of his hearing capacity, leading to his reclassification as ‘partially fit’.
Transferred to a different unit in June 2024, Sergei initially managed in the non-combat role he was assigned. Despite his hearing impairment, he could perform his tasks due to his ample knowledge of the equipment. But when reassigned to an infantry unit on the Donetsk front, he soon realized the gravity of his condition.
"I couldn’t hear the officers’ commands during training," Sergei reflects. "I wasn’t sure if someone would always be close by to repeat them, or interpret radio communications, or guide me through advance and retreat. I felt my chances of becoming ‘two hundredth’ were around 95%. So, I simply reported to my commander, handed over my weapon, and left."
Sergei’s desertion highlights the struggle faced by soldiers with combat-induced disabilities who feel their lives are at risk due to their health limitations. Recent legislative changes, however, granted him reinstatement and redeployment to a suitable unit where he can serve effectively.
The issue of self-departure from combat units (СОЧ) is not new to the UAF. Cases like that of a soldier convicted twice for deserting his unit underscore the severity and persistence of the problem. Expert opinion, such as from officer Vadim Vasilchuk, emphasizes the need for thorough investigation into each case to identify the root causes of desertion.
This story serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of war and the importance of adequate support systems for wounded soldiers who wish to continue serving their country.
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