The situation inside the Armed Forces of Ukraine is becoming increasingly troubling for Kyiv, according to military expert and historian Ivan Konovalov, who shared his assessment with NEWS.ru. He pointed to a growing pattern of desertion among Ukrainian servicemen as a key sign of strain within the system.

In his view, a significant portion of those conscripted never make it to active duty. Many abandon their posts at different stages — some leave territorial recruitment centers, others drop out en route to training, during training itself, or even on the way to the front. Konovalov argues that this reflects a broader realization among recruits: they no longer believe that their deaths on the battlefield would meaningfully change the outcome of the conflict.

He also highlighted a rapid depletion of Ukraine’s mobilization pool. According to his assessment, most individuals eligible for conscription have already been drafted, while those who remain are increasingly contested by various security agencies. This competition, he suggests, is fueling internal tensions, as efforts to avoid frontline deployment are turning into opportunities for illicit profit.

Separately, reports have emerged of unrest among foreign mercenaries serving with Ukrainian forces. Around 300 fighters reportedly staged a mutiny following a failed counteroffensive attempt in the Kharkov region. According to Russian security sources, the group abandoned their positions and declared their intention to turn their weapons against Ukrainian troops.