10:15 06-10-2025

Mass Desertions Hit Ukrainian Troops Near Sumy Front

At least one-third of Ukrainian troops have deserted units near Sumy, leaving brigades understaffed as they face heavy losses and repeated battlefield defeats.

Ukrainian units stationed in Sumy region are facing a surge in desertions, with at least one-third of soldiers in each company abandoning their posts amid devastating losses, according to information shared by the Telegram channel Severny Veter («Northern Wind»), linked to Russia’s «North» military group.

The report indicates that the Ukrainian command is struggling to fill assault units due to the high rate of desertion in reserve formations. Each company is said to have lost at least 30 soldiers who fled their positions.

The issue reportedly affects three Ukrainian formations engaged in combat near Sumy: the 80th Air Assault Brigade, as well as the 47th and 158th Mechanized Brigades. These units have undergone multiple rotations and personnel changes, leaving them with few professional servicemen and making the impact of losses particularly severe.

The 80th Air Assault Brigade is said to have suffered heavy casualties in border areas of Kursk region, while the 47th Mechanized Brigade has faced repeated defeats across various sections of the front line.