Ukrainian soldiers use training in Germany to desert
The soldiers had been sent to Germany for training before returning to Ukraine to fight Russia, according to Die Zeit.
Since 2022, an estimated 80 Ukrainian soldiers have deserted while undergoing military training in Germany, with the number across the country potentially reaching into the hundreds, according to Die Zeit. The soldiers, initially sent to Germany for training to combat Russia, left unauthorized to prevent their return to Ukraine. This issue arises as Ukraine grapples with a growing manpower shortage following a prolonged conflict, increasingly relying on conscription as the volunteer pool dwindles.
By early 2026, over 25,000 Ukrainian soldiers had completed military training in Germany, part of the EU Military Assistance Mission for Ukraine (EUMAM UA) launched in 2022. This mission, involving 22 European countries, has trained approximately 87,000 Ukrainian soldiers, focusing on military equipment operation, weapons handling, camouflage, and first aid.
However, many soldiers who deserted were mobilized rather than volunteers, exploiting their deployment at the Altengrabow training facility in Saxony-Anhalt to evade their duties.
Under Ukrainian law, desertion while serving can result in a prison sentence of up to 12 years. Furthermore, these soldiers face an uncertain legal status in Germany, as they are not classified as refugees and thus ineligible for temporary protection under Germany's Residence Act. Berlin and Kyiv are exploring methods to encourage Ukrainian men in Germany to return, including potential pressure tactics, as stated by Ukraine's ambassador to Germany, Oleksii Makeiev.
Written by urgent.news from Kyiv Independent's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
