The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has ushered in not only a physical battle against an invading force but also a psychological struggle for many of its soldiers. The stories of those who have faced the front lines reveal the harrowing realities of war and the emotional toll it takes on individuals and their families.
For Alexander, the war began when Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022. Initially joining the fight in Cherney, he found himself grappling with the severity of the conflict's toll on his mental health and personal life. After a year, he faced an untenable situation: his brother was suffering from severe schizophrenia, posing a threat to themselves and others. In this context, Alexander made the difficult choice to abandon his post and return home, stating, “besides my brother and mother, I have nobody.”
His departure, however, did not come without consequences. Under military law, desertion is a serious crime that could lead to incarceration for up to 10 years. This law, coupled with the routine challenges of military life, led to a surge in cases of absence without leave—a troubling trend that reflects the struggles of soldiers under immense pressure.
In August 2023, Ukrainian Parliament took a decisive step to address the issue by decriminalizing absence without leave for first-time offenders, provided they return to duty. This change was born out of a need to reconcile the realities faced by soldiers who experience breakdowns or fears of imminent death.
Oana de Often, a lawyer representing soldiers who have deserted, provides critical insight into the psychological factors driving men away from the battlefield. Many reported feeling that their lives were expendable, recognizing they had inadequate support during combat scenarios, and returning home felt like the only option for self-preservation. The weight of going into battle with insufficient weapons—such as having only one grenade and two ammo magazines—was an echoing concern, with many soldiers declaring it akin to suicide.
Serge, another soldier, found himself in a similar predicament. After serving in the artillery unit for over a year while grappling with chronic back pain and personal turmoil stemming from his wife's decision to seek a divorce, he ultimately walked away from his unit. He spent a year living a transient life, seeking refuge in a church and engaging in odd jobs until police caught up with him during a routine documents check.
Unlike some, Serge surrendered peacefully, stating, “I’m not a robber, not a murderer. I’ll go and fight again, but I have no regrets. I lived a little.” A judge granted him permission to rejoin the military, signaling a societal acknowledgment that the human experience of war encompasses more than mere duty; it involves emotional realities that can lead to difficult decisions.
The Stigmatization of Desertion
Despite the increasing number of desertions, senior military officials remain cautious about the issue, emphasizing its negative implications on unit morale and cohesion. A senior officer echoed the importance of every soldier's contribution: “whatever task is assigned to a unit, we have to carry it out no matter if a member deserts.”
Alexander, reflecting on his earlier choice, admitted that he felt the weight of his actions. “What I did was wrong. I left the guys, but I didn’t endanger them. It was a personal decision.” His journey towards redemption now aims at rejoining the 47th Brigade, a unit that has openly encouraged deserters to return, noting that “it’s okay to make mistakes.”
Hope for the Future
The open dialogue fostered by some military units, including discussions about leave periods, mental health support, and better communication, signifies a shift in acknowledging the complexities of soldiering under dire circumstances.
As Alexander contemplates his return, he expresses hope for a future beyond war: envisioning a day of victory, with comrades sharing stories during a celebratory parade—a moment of peace after prolonged hardship. “I hope that soon we will be going to Kyiv to celebrate the victory. There will be a parade, all the boys will meet, and grill kebabs. That’s it; that’s my dream.”
In conclusion, the stories of Alexander, Serge, and countless others illustrate a deeply human side of the conflict in Ukraine, reminding us that beneath the headlines of military engagements lie individual lives, marked by complex emotional landscapes and a yearning for connection, healing, and peace.
Part 1/8:
The Complex Reality of Desertion in Ukraine's War
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has ushered in not only a physical battle against an invading force but also a psychological struggle for many of its soldiers. The stories of those who have faced the front lines reveal the harrowing realities of war and the emotional toll it takes on individuals and their families.
Alexander's Journey
Part 2/8:
For Alexander, the war began when Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022. Initially joining the fight in Cherney, he found himself grappling with the severity of the conflict's toll on his mental health and personal life. After a year, he faced an untenable situation: his brother was suffering from severe schizophrenia, posing a threat to themselves and others. In this context, Alexander made the difficult choice to abandon his post and return home, stating, “besides my brother and mother, I have nobody.”
Part 3/8:
His departure, however, did not come without consequences. Under military law, desertion is a serious crime that could lead to incarceration for up to 10 years. This law, coupled with the routine challenges of military life, led to a surge in cases of absence without leave—a troubling trend that reflects the struggles of soldiers under immense pressure.
In August 2023, Ukrainian Parliament took a decisive step to address the issue by decriminalizing absence without leave for first-time offenders, provided they return to duty. This change was born out of a need to reconcile the realities faced by soldiers who experience breakdowns or fears of imminent death.
Lawyer's Insight into Desertion
Part 4/8:
Oana de Often, a lawyer representing soldiers who have deserted, provides critical insight into the psychological factors driving men away from the battlefield. Many reported feeling that their lives were expendable, recognizing they had inadequate support during combat scenarios, and returning home felt like the only option for self-preservation. The weight of going into battle with insufficient weapons—such as having only one grenade and two ammo magazines—was an echoing concern, with many soldiers declaring it akin to suicide.
A Case Study of Serge
Part 5/8:
Serge, another soldier, found himself in a similar predicament. After serving in the artillery unit for over a year while grappling with chronic back pain and personal turmoil stemming from his wife's decision to seek a divorce, he ultimately walked away from his unit. He spent a year living a transient life, seeking refuge in a church and engaging in odd jobs until police caught up with him during a routine documents check.
Part 6/8:
Unlike some, Serge surrendered peacefully, stating, “I’m not a robber, not a murderer. I’ll go and fight again, but I have no regrets. I lived a little.” A judge granted him permission to rejoin the military, signaling a societal acknowledgment that the human experience of war encompasses more than mere duty; it involves emotional realities that can lead to difficult decisions.
The Stigmatization of Desertion
Despite the increasing number of desertions, senior military officials remain cautious about the issue, emphasizing its negative implications on unit morale and cohesion. A senior officer echoed the importance of every soldier's contribution: “whatever task is assigned to a unit, we have to carry it out no matter if a member deserts.”
Part 7/8:
Alexander, reflecting on his earlier choice, admitted that he felt the weight of his actions. “What I did was wrong. I left the guys, but I didn’t endanger them. It was a personal decision.” His journey towards redemption now aims at rejoining the 47th Brigade, a unit that has openly encouraged deserters to return, noting that “it’s okay to make mistakes.”
Hope for the Future
The open dialogue fostered by some military units, including discussions about leave periods, mental health support, and better communication, signifies a shift in acknowledging the complexities of soldiering under dire circumstances.
Part 8/8:
As Alexander contemplates his return, he expresses hope for a future beyond war: envisioning a day of victory, with comrades sharing stories during a celebratory parade—a moment of peace after prolonged hardship. “I hope that soon we will be going to Kyiv to celebrate the victory. There will be a parade, all the boys will meet, and grill kebabs. That’s it; that’s my dream.”
In conclusion, the stories of Alexander, Serge, and countless others illustrate a deeply human side of the conflict in Ukraine, reminding us that beneath the headlines of military engagements lie individual lives, marked by complex emotional landscapes and a yearning for connection, healing, and peace.