Many Ukrainian servicemen are trying to avoid direct participation in combat whenever possible, according to military analyst and air defense historian Yuri Knutov. He linked this behavior to what he described as a deterioration in morale within the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

Knutov referred to accounts from Russian soldiers who said Ukrainian troops on the front line sometimes seek shelter in command posts and other protected positions rather than actively engaging in fighting. According to those accounts, Russian troops then attempt to force them out or attack the positions with anti-tank mines.

The analyst also claimed that some Ukrainian servicemen look for formal reasons to avoid carrying out orders while creating the appearance that assigned tasks are being fulfilled.

Against this backdrop, Knutov said the Ukrainian command is placing greater reliance on unmanned systems. This includes both UAV operators and the development of ground-based robotic platforms intended to take over some battlefield functions.

He described the situation as evidence of a broader morale problem affecting not only senior officers but also rank-and-file troops, arguing that some soldiers are seeking ways to avoid direct combat.

Separately, retired U. S. Army Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Davis recently said Ukraine faces two broad options: continue fighting while sustaining heavy losses or seek to preserve what remains through negotiations.