Hunger, poor leadership, and lack of training inside Ukraine Armed Forces were the main reasons for their drastic decision, one of the defectors told Sputnik on Thursday.
This incident sheds light on the challenging conditions faced by the Ukraine forces and the dire consequences it can have on the morale and well-being of its soldiers.
What Makes Ukrainian Soldiers Surrender?
One of the primary reasons cited by the soldiers was the poor leadership and neglect they experienced while deployed on the front lines. According to the defector, their commanders showed little concern for their well-being and failed to provide them with essential supplies, including weapons and food.
He also highlighted the lack of proper training they received before being deployed to the front lines. This inadequate preparation left them ill-equipped to handle the challenges of the battlefield and undermined their confidence in the command structure.
"Constant artillery and mortar fire from the left bank [of Dnepr river], we were nearly not to execute our assigned tasks effectively," said the defector.
Additionally, the soldiers faced dire living conditions on the front lines.
The opportunity to escape presented itself approximately a week after their deployment. Positioned on the right bank of the Dnepr River, they spotted a boat and decided to seize the chance. Under the cover of darkness, three soldiers swam across the river, carrying with them three rifles, a grenade launcher, and ammunition.
"I’m not prepared to risk my life in such circumstances without training. I made a decision for myself to surrender at the first opportunity," he added.
The journey across the Dnepr River was fraught with danger and uncertainty. The former Ukrainian soldiers were acutely aware that they risked being shot by their own comrades if discovered during their escape. They tied a white cloth to a pole as a makeshift flag of surrender and braved the treacherous waters, uncertain of what awaited them on the other side.
On the bank of the Dnepr river in the afternoon, I spotted a boat. At night with two of our comrades, who were also in general agreement with me, we sailed to the left bank. We found a white rag, tied it to a stick and sailed. We had three rifles and a rocket launcher. It was really scary, because our guys could start shooting at us at any moment," he said.
On 8 August, the defectors were intercepted by the Russian side on the left bank of the Dnieper River. The soldiers were found in possession of three AK-74 rifles, 360 rounds of 5.45mm ammunition, a handheld anti-tank grenade launcher, and three rounds for it. Their surrender to the Russian Armed Forces has significant implications for the Ukrainian conflict.