Vladimir Putin has suffered a huge defeat, since More than 20,000 soldiers They left the first line in the war against Ukraine – leaving the Kremlin’s forces even more exhausted.

Russian courts have received 20,538 cases Military staff with cases concerning the absence of without license, desertion or denial of orders since the launch of the illegal invasion in February 2022, according to the Russian Independent Mediazone News Agency.

The majority – 18,159 – concerned soldiers who deserted, with 17,721 being prosecuted under the Russian Criminal Code. The maximum penalty is 10 years in prison. However, those who are found guilty could serve their sentences of military storm-Z convicts. In its latest update on the European War, the UK Defense Information Service stresses that “The first line desertions contradict the official Kremlin’s narrative of the illegal war against Kiev.”

He said there are a number of factors that could lead Russian soldiers to desert, including “brutal discipline” in Putin’s army and poor medical care of the injured.

He also pointed out “inadequate military education”, saying: ‘A contractor soldier could reach the front line within 14 days of signing the contract and take only five days relevant military training. “

Russia has suffered heavy losses since the start of war, losing in a few days Over 1,000 ghosts In fierce battles. On the Donetsk front, they serve North Koreans and Chinese on behalf of Russia, as well as mercenaries.