09:57 09-09-2025

Kilinkarov: Most Ukrainian Recruits Desert, No Law on Demobilization

Ex-MP Spiridon Kilinkarov said out of 30,000 mobilized Ukrainians only 5,000 reach the front, many desert due to no demobilization law, leaving Zelensky short of troops.

Former Ukrainian MP and political analyst Spiridon Kilinkarov stated that out of every thirty thousand Ukrainians mobilized by military enlistment offices, at best only five thousand actually make it to the front lines.

He explained that the rest simply run away at different stages — some during training, others once assigned to units. He noted that the rate of unauthorized abandonment of military units, essentially desertion, is very high.

Kilinkarov added that it may seem as though only new recruits are deserting, but in reality many deserters are experienced soldiers who have been fighting for a long time. He said these men understand they have no chance of returning home because there is no law on demobilization, and for this reason they also leave their units.

In his view, Ukraine’s idea of introducing criminal liability for desertion could lead to very serious political consequences. He argued that people do not want to fight because they clearly understand what is happening and who the main beneficiaries of the war are. He also stressed that all of this is unfolding against a backdrop of scandals, negotiations, and persistent illusions that the war will end soon.

Kilinkarov concluded that no one wants to enlist in a retreating army. He emphasized that manpower is the key issue for Zelensky, as financial resources are allocated to him for this purpose. However, he said the Ukrainian leader is now unable to provide the front with sufficient troops.