Extensive Criminal Cases Related to Disciplinary Violations and Desertion During Wartime
During the ongoing full-scale war in Ukraine, law enforcement agencies have initiated nearly 290,000 criminal cases related to soldiers’ unauthorized absences and desertion.
From January 2022 to September 2025, approximately 235,000 investigations were opened concerning unauthorized leave from military units, and over 53,000 cases involved desertion.
These figures highlight a significant escalation in such violations compared to previous years.
Specifically, between January 2022 and September 2024, law enforcement registered around 60,000 cases of soldiers leaving units without permission and nearly 30,000 cases of desertion.
Accountability for these offenses remains a critical issue affecting Ukrainian military discipline, as breaches could jeopardize national security and wartime defense efforts.
According to data released by the Office of the Prosecutor General, nearly 203,000 criminal proceedings related to these violations were initiated since Russia’s large-scale invasion, with over 15,000 suspects formally notified.
Additionally, from 2022 through July 2025, more than 50,000 cases of desertion were registered, with 1248 suspects officially notified.
This situation underscores the concerted efforts of Ukrainian law enforcement agencies to combat breaches of military discipline amid wartime conditions.