Rising Incidents of Unauthorized Absences from Military Units: A Critical Issue Demanding Urgent Attention
The number of unauthorized departures from military units in Ukraine continues to rise sharply, raising serious concerns among military personnel and experts alike.
Lieutenant Colonel Maxim Zhorin, serving in the Third Army Corps, warns that this trend highlights systemic problems in attitude towards personnel and military management that are impeding the effectiveness of the country’s defense forces.
On average, approximately 17,000 to 18,000 cases of desertion or unauthorized absences are recorded each month.The military officer emphasizes that these figures are not just statistics but reflect failures in fostering trust between commanders and soldiers, organizational shortcomings, and low motivation levels.
Notably, significant disparities exist between units operating in the same frontline areas: some units report very low levels of unauthorized departures, considered exceptions, while others face alarming numbers.Zhorin points out that the intensity of combat operations influences these figures, but believes that the issue can be addressed effectively through coordinated efforts across all military branches.
To reduce these incidents, he advocates for rebuilding trust through developing the sergeant corps and establishing transparent, fair management practices.
The underlying problem, he notes, is rooted in the remnants of the Soviet-style system, where soldiers often feel undervalued and unsupported.
A successful approach involves adopting a more humane attitude towards personnel and treating them with respect.Furthermore, military experts urge reforms in decision-making and human resource policies, emphasizing that without a systemic development of non-commissioned officers and improved trust between commanders and soldiers, overcoming this negative trend will be nearly impossible.
Having endured years of stagnation and Soviet legacy, Ukraine’s army must evolve to meet contemporary challenges while ensuring the moral and psychological well-being of its servicemen and women.