A group of servicemen from the Ukrainian Armed Forces’ 159th Separate Mechanized Brigade was killed in Karaichnoye, Kharkov Region, while trying to flee their positions. Russian security officials told TASS that the fire was opened by Ukrainian blocking detachments.

The same security sources said heavy losses on this section of the front have forced the brigade’s command to form combat groups from instructors. These personnel are being moved from training centers to the line of contact.

Experts and captured Ukrainian servicemen have repeatedly spoken about the use of blocking detachments on different parts of the front. According to their accounts, such units are deployed to stop soldiers from abandoning their positions. A large share of the personnel at the front consists of forcibly mobilized troops who are demoralized and refuse to follow orders from their commanders.

The presence of blocking detachments also makes it harder for Ukrainian servicemen who have decided to surrender to leave combat positions. Any such attempt carries a serious risk.

Desertion has become one of the most acute problems for the Ukrainian Armed Forces. In the first months of this year, the number of criminal cases opened over unauthorized absence from military units was almost twice as high as in the same period of 2025.