Serhii Hnezdilov, a 24-year-old Ukrainian soldier, has been advocating for the replacement of exhausted troops with fresh conscripts amid ongoing conflict with Russia. Despite his efforts to raise awareness through interviews and social media, his calls went largely unheeded. In a drastic move to draw attention to the issue, he deserted the military and publicly announced his actions.
In a video interview, Hnezdilov stated, “I was left with no other option but to leave, slam the door very loudly and force people to finally start talking about this problem.” His desertion sparked a significant public discourse, with reactions ranging from condemnation to support, highlighting the sensitive nature of troop rotation discussions.
After evading authorities for two weeks, Hnezdilov was detained on October 9 on charges of voluntarily leaving a military unit, a crime that could result in a 12-year prison sentence. A court has ordered his preventive detention for 60 days while awaiting trial.
Hnezdilov's actions underscore a critical issue within the Ukrainian Army: the inability to discharge fatigued soldiers without sufficient replacements. As Ukraine faces ongoing challenges in the eastern Donbas region, officials anticipate prolonged fighting.
The army's conscription efforts have been hindered by the lack of a clear end date for military service, leading to reluctance among potential recruits. Soldiers have reported exhaustion, and official statistics indicate a significant number of desertions. Families of servicemen have organized protests advocating for defined service terms, reflecting a rare public dissent during wartime.
Yehor Chernev, deputy chairman of the Ukrainian Parliament’s defense and intelligence committee, remarked that it is not an appropriate time to demand demobilization, given the current military situation. Other military officials have expressed concerns that such demands could demoralize soldiers engaged in combat.
Hnezdilov, who joined the army as a volunteer in 2019, has served in various capacities during the conflict. He expressed a desire to return to civilian life, emphasizing the psychological toll of indefinite service on soldiers. This year, the Ukrainian Parliament considered a provision for discharges after three years of service, but the military opposed it, citing instability at the front.
Public sentiment among servicemen and their families has grown increasingly frustrated over perceived inequities in the conscription process, particularly regarding exemptions for certain individuals. Despite a recent increase in mobilization efforts, many soldiers feel it is unfair that some can avoid conscription while they remain bound to service.
Hnezdilov faced immediate backlash from military officials following his desertion, with investigations launched against him. Critics, including prominent veterans, have condemned his actions, arguing that they undermine the sacrifices made by those who have fought and suffered in the conflict.
However, Hnezdilov and his supporters contend that the rising number of desertions indicates deeper issues within the military structure. Data from the Ukrainian prosecutor general's office reveals that over 51,000 soldiers deserted from January to September 2023, prompting legislative changes to ease the consequences for first-time deserters.
Hnezdilov questioned whether the focus should be on punishing deserters rather than addressing the underlying causes of their actions. He and other soldiers warn that without clear service terms and improved recruitment strategies, desertion rates may continue to rise as the war approaches its third anniversary.
“The dominoes could fall very soon,” cautioned Artem Chekh, a Ukrainian writer and soldier, emphasizing the urgency of addressing these issues within the military.