Ukrainian military faces a tough-situation with troop numbers while fighting against much-bigger enemy forces. The military-command now allows some units to give second chances to soldiers who left their posts
Nearly 95‚000 cases of unauthorized leaves opened since early-2022‚ with most happening this year (which shows growing pressure on troops). Col. Oleksandr Hrynchuk from military police says about 6‚000 soldiers came back in past month — showing how new rules help bring people back
The elite 47th Brigade started a come-back program that got huge response: “Our aim is to give every soldier the opportunity to come back into the fold and realize his potential.“ Viacheslav Smirnov‚ the brigades head-recruiter‚ mentions they got so many requests they cant process them fast enough
Different units have different rules; some accept only those who left bases not combat zones. Mykhailo Perets from K-2 battalion explains why soldiers leave:
- Too quick switch from civilian life
- Qualified drone pilots sent to infantry
- Physical and mental exhaustion
- Health issues with older soldiers
President Zelenskiy points to weapons shortage as main issue — allies provided gear for just 1/4 of new brigades needed (while keeping draft age at 25 instead of lowering it to 18)