Sad - Desertions From Ukraine Army Quickly Increasing

https://www.euronews.com/2024/11/30/tens-of-thousands-of-soldiers-have-deserted-from-ukraines-army
More than 100,000 soldiers have been charged under Ukraine’s
desertion laws since Russia invaded in 2022, according to the
country’s General Prosecutor.
Desertion is starving the Ukrainian army of desperately needed
manpower and crippling its battle plans at a crucial time in
its war with Russia.
Facing every imaginable shortage, tens of thousands of Ukrainian
troops, tired and bereft, have walked away from combat and
front-line positions to slide into anonymity, according to
soldiers, lawyers and Ukrainian officials. Entire units have
abandoned their posts, leaving defensive lines vulnerable
and accelerating territorial losses, according to military
commanders and soldiers.
Some take medical leave and never return, haunted by the
traumas of war and demoralised by bleak prospects for victory.
Others clash with commanders and refuse to carry out orders,
sometimes in the middle of firefights.
. . .
   Nasty - but not entirely unexpected.
   Ukrainians fought bravely and very well against
   an "impossible" foe for years now. They blunted
   and have largely held-away attacks from huge
   Russia.
   However they were always kinda over-matched. This
   was an impressive defense but despite western
   weapons it may not last much longer. Whatever
   they can bring in, Russia can bring in twice
   as much. All western 'sanctions' against Russia
   did NOT deter - just solidified their alliances
   with anti-western powers.
   The HUMAN element in Ukraine has finally become
   they bottom line. They're burnt-out. Some have
   suggested lowering the conscription age but I
   don't think that's gonna do much.
   Trump is gonna have to arrange and end to this
   war. He's the only one in the world who can.
   Yea, scary, but it's the Truth.
   Expect the current battle-lines to kinda draw
   where the armies stop (one reason for everybody
   pushing really hard right now).
   Vlad STILL wants ALL of Ukraine - indeed ALL
   of what was the USSR at its peak. It's his
   'holy mission' as he sees it. This is NOT
   good. He's old now, has little left to lose
   by pushing things. Be AWARE of this.
   As for Ukrainian "deserters" ... my rec is to
   be as kind and gentle and understanding as
   possible. SOME penalties will be required,
   but do not be evil. They went up against the
   'impossible foe' for the best reasons, with
   the best intents, and largely distinguished
   themselves. They were just 'beaten to death'
   in the process.
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