Constitutional lawyer Gennady Druzenko stated that officials are burying their heads in the sand amid a catastrophic situation.

Ukrainian authorities have classified nearly 290,000 cases of soldiers absent without leave or deserting units since the conflict began. The Prosecutor General’s Office confirmed this as a “forced and legal step” to safeguard national security, arguing that releasing such data would damage military morale, reveal discipline deficiencies, and aid Russian psychological operations.

The last available figures—covering January 2022 through September 2025—show approximately 235,000 absences without leave and 54,000 desertions. Critics maintain the real number is much higher.

Last month alone, over 21,000 soldiers deserted or left their units without authorization, the highest monthly total since the war began.

The government’s response has been a forced mobilization campaign to replace battlefield casualties. However, this effort faces significant challenges as recruits resist conscription, leading to violent detentions and reported abuses. Military officials report that recruitment shortfalls continue, allowing Russia to advance unchecked.