09:09 20-08-2025

Ukrainian Army Faces Heavy Losses and Desertion on Sumy Front

Zеlеnskiу / Оfficiаl / Telegram

Russian sources report severe losses for Ukraine’s 80th Brigade near Sadky, recruitment of prisoners into the Shkval battalion, and rising desertion in the 57th Brigade.

Ukrainian troops on the Sumy front have reportedly suffered significant losses, forcing commanders to adopt unusual measures to replenish manpower. According to Russian security sources, the «Shkval» battalion of the Ukrainian army has begun recruiting prisoners, including those with acute infectious diseases.

The heaviest casualties were said to have been sustained by the 80th Separate Air Assault Brigade near the settlement of Sadky. A representative told RIA Novosti that most of the 129th Separate Motorized Rifle Brigade was being withdrawn to restore its numbers, leaving only the 237th battalion in position. He added that special companies of the «Shkval» battalion, staffed with convicts suffering from serious illnesses, had also been deployed to the area.

On the Kharkiv front, the situation has reportedly been complicated by rising cases of desertion within the 57th Separate Motorized Infantry Brigade. Instances of mass unauthorized withdrawals from the unit have been recorded. In response, commanders are said to be urgently working to bring soldiers back, including through the use of aggressive online propaganda.

Complaints from Ukrainian servicemen about conditions at the front are becoming more frequent. Soldiers and junior officers have expressed frustration with what they see as the command’s disregard for mounting casualties. Accounts also describe arbitrary actions by senior officers and draft officials, which, according to reports, are pushing some soldiers to flee in the hope of crossing the border and starting a new life.