Why is Ukraine’s army facing a desertion crisis?
Al Jazeera
Thousands of men have abandoned their posts, blaming poor conditions on the front lines and open-ended service.
More Ukrainian soldiers have deserted the army this year than ever since the onset of a war that analysts say has seen both sides make gains and report losses.
Prosecutions for desertion from Ukraine’s army are thought to have hit at least 30,000 – quite possibly much more – already this year. This is several times the number in 2022, the year the war began when citizens and foreigners voluntarily poured into the military to push Russia back.
Those found guilty are given between five and 12 years in prison. However, some defectors say that is a better option than facing what might be an endless, undefined period on the battlefield.
Desertion has become so common that Ukraine’s parliament, the Verkhovna Rada, took the unprecedented step of decriminalising first-time attempts to flee the army on August 20, 2024, as long as those caught agree to return to duty.
Here’s why analysts say more men are leaving the army and why it is not just a problem for Ukraine:
World Health Organization says 226 health workers, patients killed in Lebanon since start of Israel’s war on Hezbollah.
UN health agency says its decision is ‘based on the rising number and continuing geographic spread of cases.’
In a new interview, the scandal-plagued Gaetz reaffirmed his commitment to being a member of Trump’s ‘America First army’.
Legislators greenlight reforms giving more authority to Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo, accused of stifling dissent.
Pep Guardiola leads Man City out for the first time since signing a two-year extension when Tottenham visit on Saturday.
Five healthcare workers killed in Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon, Ministry of Public Health says.
Vulnerable nations are seeking $1.3 trillion annually to deal with the damage caused by climate change and to adapt.
The city’s southern suburbs have been hit repeatedly in recent months
New York judge cancels a sentencing hearing previously scheduled for November 26 without setting a new date.
Many Haitian children face the stark choice of joining a gang or suffering from violence, poverty and hunger engulfing them.