In March, Russian courts witnessed a significant surge in cases related to Absence Without Leave (AWOL), marking the highest-ever monthly count since the onset of the war in Ukraine, according to a report by independent Russian media outlet Mediazona. The report, citing public records, revealed that Russian military courts handed down 684 AWOL sentences in March alone, averaging about 34 sentences per day.
The majority of these cases were linked to individuals conscripted during Russia's mobilization in September 2022, which saw approximately 300,000 men drafted to participate in the conflict in Ukraine. These conscripts were compelled to remain in military service indefinitely, with limited prospects for release, according to an intelligence update from the UK Defence Ministry.
Men found guilty of going AWOL typically received suspended sentences, allowing them to return to their units, including those stationed on the front lines. Some cases involved soldiers who had been absent for an extended period, with Mediazona reporting instances dating back to the previous year, such as the case of a contract soldier who returned home in May 2023 and was subsequently diagnosed with a mental disorder.
Since the beginning of 2024, Russian courts have handled approximately 2,300 AWOL cases, totaling around 7,400 cases since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The region with the highest number of trials was Moscow, with 496 cases reported by Mediazona.
Russia's mobilization efforts, initiated in 2022, faced significant public opposition and led to protests and an exodus of affluent Russians. The deployment of conscripts, many of whom received inadequate training and equipment, resulted in casualties and reports of desertion and malingering. Despite these challenges, Russia's military has expanded by about 15% since the onset of the conflict, according to US Army Gen. Christopher Cavoli, NATO's Supreme Allied Commander in Europe.
In contrast, Ukraine has faced difficulties in replenishing its forces, with thousands of military-age men attempting to evade conscription. To address manpower shortages, Ukraine's parliament reduced the draft age and suspended passport issuance for Ukrainian military-age men abroad, requiring them to return home to renew their documents.
As Russia continues its military activities in Ukrainian territory, Ukraine has sought additional support, including approval of significant US assistance to bolster its defense capabilities.
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