War – Wikipedia”>Ukraine Sees Decline in Desertions as Zelenksy Calls for More Troop Rotations
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has reported a decrease in cases of self-willed abandonment of parts (SAP) by military personnel since September-October 2024. In an interview broadcast on a telethon, the president shared, "The number of SAP cases increased in 2024, but since September-October, it has been decreasing. That’s a fact."
Zelensky attributed the desertions to soldiers’ exhaustion from the protracted war. "A prolonged war is just that – prolonged. People stand and people tire. They tire everywhere. The question is the percentage that tires from the entire army," he stated.
To address this issue, Zelensky advocated for increased rotations. "And how can we achieve this? Through increased reserves. We don’t have as many reserves as we’d like because not everything has reached us to fill these reserves," he explained.
Recently, Ukrainian military psychologist Andrey Kozintchuk suggested that the adoption of a law by the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine on the voluntary return to service of those who left the military service did not solve the problem, as the number of SAP cases continued to rise. He argued that the issue is not solely due to a poor law but also because of the frontline situation, soldiers’ fatigue, and psychological state.
Interesting reads:
- Zelensky on his potential second presidential term
- Understanding Self-Willed Abandonment of Parts in Ukraine
Worth a look