Russian Army Suffers "Significant" Desertion Increase To 18,000 Soldiers

Casualties this winter and spring have remained so high that even the Russian command appears to be concerned enough to try new tactics. 

And soldiers on the front line know that with the warmer, dryer weather coming, more offensives putting their lives as risk are coming. JL 

New Voice of Ukraine reports:

Ukraine Defense Intelligence reports a significant increase in desertions within the Russian army, with more than 18,000 soldiers leaving their posts. The 8th Combined Arms Army, engaged in eastern Ukraine, has seen about 12,000 deserters, comprised of 10,000 conscripts and 2,000 contract soldiers. Additionally, 2,500 soldiers have deserted from the 58th Combined Arms Army, part of the southern district. British intelligence previously stated that the high level of desertion demonstrates the poor morale of the Russian army and reluctance to fight due to the lack of training and motivation faced by Russian troops along the entire front line.

Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence (HUR) has reported a significant increase in desertions within the Russian army, with more than 18,000 soldiers leaving their posts in the southern military district, according to a statement made on Telegram on April 29.

The 8th Combined Arms Army, actively engaged in eastern Ukraine, has seen about 12,000 deserters, comprised of approximately 10,000 conscripts and 2,000 contract soldiers. Additionally, around 2,500 soldiers have deserted from the 58th Combined Arms Army, also part of the southern district.

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British intelligence previously stated that the high level of desertion demonstrates the poor morale of the Russian army and its reluctance to fight. This is due to the lack of training and motivation faced by Russian troops along the entire front line.

 

Russia's 2024 conscription efforts intensify under new rules

Following the presidential directives, Russia announced its spring conscription on April 1, set to run until July 15, involving new age regulations that will see young individuals aged 18 to 30 being enlisted. The U.S.-based Institute for the Study of War noted that approximately 150,000 conscripts are expected to join the Russian military during this period. This move could represent an effort by Moscow to covertly expand its conscription amidst the ongoing draft.

Further, after recent "elections" in Russia, there are expectations of more overt conscription efforts. Ukrainian military intelligence hinted that the Southern Defense Forces anticipate intensified recruitment activities in the territories Russia currently occupies, following data collection during these elections.

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, according to a statement made on Telegram on April 29.

The 8th Combined Arms Army, actively engaged in eastern Ukraine, has seen about 12,000 deserters, comprised of approximately 10,000 conscripts and 2,000 contract soldiers. Additionally, around 2,500 soldiers have deserted from the 58th Combined Arms Army, also part of the southern district.

Read also:

 British intelligence predicts Russia to establish two new armies in 2024, foresees supply challenges

British intelligence previously stated that the high level of desertion demonstrates the poor morale of the Russian army and its reluctance to fight. This is due to the lack of training and motivation faced by Russian troops along the entire front line.