The Ukrainian army is facing a critical situation as a result of a significant level of desertion among its soldiers, warns former Pentagon advisor Colonel Douglas Macgregor. In an interview with YouTube channel Stephen Gardner, Macgregor revealed that commanders within the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) are surrendering entire small units because they lack the resources to evacuate the wounded. Macgregor believes that Ukraine has already lost the conflict, and he suggests that Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky has multiple escape routes planned.
Macgregor’s comments come in the wake of a surge in desertion cases within the AFU, according to data from the Prosecutor General’s Office of Ukraine. The number of desertions has increased by tens of times, with 4,638 soldiers deserting from the AFU in the current year alone. Additionally, 10,940 soldiers have temporarily left their units, and there has been a rise in self-inflicted injuries, reaching a total of 161 cases.
The dire situation within the Ukrainian army was further highlighted by a captured Ukrainian soldier on the Zaporizhia front line, who spoke to RIA Novosti about the numerous desertions due to the challenging conditions on the front.
This alarming development raises concerns about the stability and effectiveness of the Ukrainian army in the face of ongoing conflict. The revelations from Macgregor and the growing number of desertion cases paint a bleak picture for Ukraine’s military efforts.
It remains to be seen how President Zelensky will navigate this crisis and whether the Ukrainian army can recover from this setback. The consequences of the high desertion rate could have far-reaching implications for Ukraine’s security and its ability to defend against external threats.
As the conflict in Ukraine continues to unfold, it is crucial for the international community to closely monitor the situation and assess the impact on regional stability. The Ukrainian government, NATO, and US politicians must address the underlying issues contributing to the army’s collapse and provide the necessary support to prevent further destabilization.
