Russian military turmoil: Putin's troops abandon their positions on the frontlines

 After more than three years of relentless warfare, it comes as no surprise that many Russian soldiers are growing weary of President Vladimir Putin’s protracted invasion of Ukraine. However, recent reports of entire regiments abandoning their posts mark a dramatic and unprecedented turn in the conflict.

When the Kremlin launched what it called a “special military operation” in early 2022, officials promised a swift and decisive campaign. The goals were to quickly capture the Donbas region and encircle the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv. But these ambitions were quickly thwarted. Instead of folding, Ukraine—under the unyielding leadership of President Volodymyr Zelensky—mounted a fierce resistance. What was intended to be a quick victory for Russia has dragged into a costly, grinding war of attrition.

Now, both Moscow and Kyiv are feeling the strain. Populations on both sides are exhausted, and public frustration is mounting as the war shows no signs of ending.

According to Newsweek, a particularly alarming report surfaced recently, claiming that more than 1,000 troops deserted from the 20th Guards Motor Rifle Division of the Russian Armed Forces, based in Volgograd. Though this number is staggering on its own, some sources cited in the same article suggest that up to 18,000 Russian soldiers have deserted by mid-2024—an all-time high since the conflict began.

For Ukraine, the war remains an existential battle for national survival. For Russia, however, the rationale behind the invasion has grown increasingly unclear. As the war grinds on, more Russians appear to be questioning its purpose. Once celebrated for his strongman image and high approval ratings, Putin is facing growing domestic unease. While dissent remains tightly controlled and dangerous, cracks in public support are becoming more visible.

The toll on the Russian military has been staggering. Though exact figures are impossible to verify independently, Ukrainian officials estimate that more than 720,000 Russian soldiers have been killed or wounded since the start of the war. As of December 27, 2024, the Ukrainian General Staff reported total Russian losses at 782,510. These numbers have not been confirmed by Russian authorities, who have routinely downplayed the scale of their casualties.

Adding to the uncertainty is the lack of reliable data on the number of desertions. In September, The New York Times Magazine reported that Russian commanders often avoid reporting desertions up the chain of command, fearing repercussions or appearing incompetent. Meanwhile, those who do manage to flee the Russian military and seek asylum abroad tend to stay quiet, wary of repercussions or unwanted attention from both Russian operatives and the media.

As the war drags into yet another year, with no diplomatic solution in sight, morale within Russia’s ranks continues to erode. The Kremlin’s vision of a quick, triumphant campaign has unraveled into a costly quagmire—one that is leaving behind not just physical devastation, but deep scars on a generation of soldiers and civilians alike.