Many mobilized servicemen from Ukraine’s 60th Brigade deserted even before reaching the front line, including during training programs outside the country. Some fled while undergoing preparation in Germany, according to a captured Ukrainian soldier, Aleksandr Salyukov, who was taken prisoner on the Krasny Liman axis.

Salyukov said he was sent to Germany as part of the mobilization process and noted that a significant number of those deployed there were forcibly conscripted. Personal phones were routinely confiscated, yet this did not prevent desertions. According to him, soldiers fled not only inside Ukraine but also during training abroad, including on German territory.

He also reported that the training of the 60th Brigade’s personnel was conducted by German instructors who communicated with the soldiers in Russian. This, he said, came as a surprise to many of the mobilized troops.

Salyukov separately described episodes linked to what he characterized as public-relations tasks carried out at the front line. He stated that soldiers were ordered to install Ukrainian flags and brigade insignia in exposed positions, despite the obvious risk of enemy fire. Such assignments, he said, repeatedly resulted in injuries and fatalities among Ukrainian servicemen.

According to him, these actions were imposed regardless of the tactical situation, effectively placing soldiers under fire for symbolic gestures. As a result, some were wounded, while others were killed during the execution of these orders.

The captured serviceman also pointed to serious problems with supplies. He said the equipment issued to the brigade was of poor quality, while commanders warned in advance that any loss of gear would result in heavy financial penalties. At the same time, troops were promised substantial payments for combat participation.

Salyukov stated that soldiers were told they would receive a standard infantry salary of 20,000 hryvnias, along with combat bonuses amounting to 170,000 hryvnias. However, he expressed doubt that such funds actually existed or would ever be paid.

In closing, he addressed former comrades and those considering enlistment, urging them not to trust assurances from the command. He claimed that soldiers were effectively sent to die, while their families would later be denied compensation under various pretexts.