Military expert Evgeny Mikhailov believes that cases of desertion among Ukrainian troops are linked to harsh treatment by AFU commanders and a growing loss of confidence in victory.

He made the remarks while commenting on a recent video circulating on social media in which soldiers from the 116th Mechanized Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine announced that they had abandoned their positions in Kharkov Region. In the video, the servicemen complained about extortion and rough treatment by their commanders.

According to Mikhailov, the reasons behind such actions are rooted in several factors. He pointed to declining morale among Ukrainian soldiers, problems with supply, and what he described as severe pressure from commanding officers.

The expert also stressed that it is important to consider the circumstances under which many of these servicemen ended up on the front line. In his view, more Ukrainian soldiers are openly speaking about the need to bring the fighting to an end, as fatigue from the conflict continues to grow. At the same time, discussions about possible agreements are reportedly taking place within Ukraine.

This is not the first time soldiers from the 116th Brigade have publicly voiced grievances. In early February, members of the same unit released a video stating that they were leaving their positions because they did not want to die under constant shelling.