Rising desertions, low morale plague Ukrainian troops: CNN
3 Min Read
Several commanders told CNN that the lack of artillery support and resources contributed to a sharp decline in morale among frontline units.
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Gas burns in front of a business center damaged by a Russian attack in Kharkiv, Ukraine, Sunday, Sept. 1 2024. (AP Photo/Yevhen Titov)
A report published by CNN on Sunday detailed the severe toll that the ongoing war in Ukraine is taking on Ukrainian soldiers, particularly on the eastern front.
The report focuses on Dima, a former battalion commander who recently stepped down from his role after witnessing most of his 800 troops either killed or severely injured.
Dima, who had fought in some of the war's fiercest battles near Pokrovsk, described the emotional burden of constantly losing men, saying he could no longer bear the sight of his soldiers dying.
The report paints a grim picture of Ukraine's military situation, especially in key areas like Pokrovsk, where Ukrainian forces are facing overwhelming odds.
Many soldiers are reportedly exhausted and demoralized, as reinforcements remain scarce and Russian forces continue to make advances.
Desertion and insubordination are becoming more widespread, particularly among newly recruited soldiers who were drafted after Ukraine's recent mobilization laws took effect in the spring.
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According to CNN, some troops refuse to return to the battlefield after their first encounter with enemy forces, further straining Ukraine's defense efforts.
The report also details the logistical challenges plaguing Ukraine's military. During a critical period in the winter and spring, delays in receiving US military aid left Ukrainian troops short on ammunition, forcing them to watch helplessly as Russian forces advanced.
Several commanders told CNN that the lack of artillery support and resources contributed to a sharp decline in morale among frontline units.
Amid the deteriorating conditions, Pokrovsk has become a focal point of the war. The town, which sits on a key road and railway, is vital for Ukraine's military operations, but Russian forces have steadily encroached on the area.
Ukrainian soldiers report being outnumbered by Russian troops, and internal communication breakdowns between different Ukrainian units have worsened the situation.
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Despite these difficulties, Ukraine recently launched a surprise incursion into Russia's Kursk region, briefly advancing into Russian territory. While the operation provided a morale boost to some, many soldiers remain skeptical about the overall strategy.
Several sappers interviewed by CNN expressed doubts about why they were sent into Russia when the eastern front line is in disarray.
Ukraine's Commander in Chief, Oleksandr Syrskyi, acknowledged the low morale among troops and stressed the importance of addressing these issues.
Syrskyi, along with officers trained to provide psychological support, regularly visits the front lines to boost soldiers' spirits. However, as the war drags on, many soldiers, like Dima, are emotionally burned out, with some choosing to leave the battlefield altogether.
