200,000 Ukrainian soldiers have gone AWOL

Reports circulating from Ukrainian and international media sources clReports circulating from Ukrainian and international media sources claim that a significant number of Ukrainian military personnel have gone absent without leave (AWOL) since the start of the conflict with Russia.

Some estimates suggest the figure could be as high as 200,000 soldiers, though these numbers have not been independently verified.

Ukrainian authorities have acknowledged challenges related to manpower, morale, and enforcement within the armed forces but have not officially confirmed the reported figure.

Military analysts note that prolonged high-intensity combat, repeated rotations, physical exhaustion, and psychological strain have placed unprecedented pressure on Ukrainian units.

According to Ukrainian legal definitions, AWOL cases range from short-term unauthorized absences to longer-term desertion, meaning reported figures may include a wide spectrum of offenses rather than permanent withdrawals from service.

Ukrainian officials have previously stated that many soldiers who initially go AWOL later return to their units voluntarily.

In recent months, Kyiv has introduced legal reforms aimed at addressing the issue, including revised penalties, improved rotation schedules, and expanded rehabilitation and support programs for frontline troops.

The Ukrainian government has emphasized that maintaining force cohesion remains a priority as the conflict continues.

Military experts caution that AWOL and desertion are not uncommon in prolonged, large-scale conflicts and should be viewed within the broader context of sustained warfare rather than as an indicator of immediate collapse or battlefield failure.

As of now, the true scale of AWOL cases within the Ukrainian Armed Forces remains unclear, and officials continue to urge caution regarding unverified figures circulating online.