Russian military desertion crisis: 1,000 soldiers unaccounted
Up to 1,000 Russian soldiers left the division stationed in Volgograd without permission. Journalists from "Important Stories" have confirmed the names of these deserters. Some claimed they needed to care for ill relatives, while others said they had to help with household chores. Many are voluntarily returning to their unit.
The war in Ukraine continues. It has been 1,000 days since the outbreak of the full-scale conflict. Journalists from "Important Stories" report that as many as 1,000 soldiers from the 20th Guards Motor Rifle Division stationed in Volgograd left their unit without permission. Kremlin authorities are now searching for them.
In April of this year, the division's command reportedly asked authorities in the regions for help in locating the fugitives. Russia does not disclose data on the deserters, so journalists verified the obtained information.
Documents show that 1,010 military personnel deserted. Of these, 858 are contract soldiers, 150 were mobilized, and 2 are conscripts. Among the deserters are 26 junior officers, a major, and two lieutenant colonels. Journalists confirmed a list of names with the roster of 20 divisions from the spring of 2022. 31 people were found, but the rest joined during the course of the war.
The portal verified the identities of 65 other soldiers. At least 4 confirmed their disappearance. Three said they collaborated with an anti-war human rights project and do not wish to fight. Furthermore, journalists spoke with the families of the deserters. They claimed they had to leave the unit due to the death of a close relative or had gone missing.
Thanks to court rulings, an additional 96 people were found. Data shows that military personnel argued they had to leave the unit to care for a close person or to help with household chores. Some did not hide and lived at home. They assured they would return to the front. Some returned after committing crimes, thus avoiding punishment.
The investigation's authors found 26 soldiers on the federal list of wanted persons on the Mediazona site. Another interviewee told journalists that he was injured and escaped. He is currently awaiting asylum in Europe.
