Four years since the onset of the Ukraine invasion by Russian President Vladimir Putin in 2022, determining the exact number of deserting Russian soldiers continues to be a difficult task. However, various

sources indicate a high desertion rate among the troops.According to United24, Frontelligence Insight (via leaked Russian Defense Ministry slides) estimated that between February 2022 and December 2024 roughly 50,554 Russian troops had deserted or gone. AWOL.Undoubtedly there have been more cases since December 2024, and it is only natural: after three years of relentless conflict, many Russian soldiers are fed-up with Putin’s war.While, most cases involve lone soldiers escaping, there was a more notable incident reported on by Newsweek. Back in the fall of 2024 an entire regiment made up by than 1,000 soldiers deserted the 20th Guards Motor Rifle Division of the Russian Armed Forces, stationed in Volgograd.Although the number might seem high, Newsweek reports that some sources claim that up to 18,000 Russian soldiers have been leaving their post, with numbers reaching a new high by July 2024.While Ukraine is fighting a war for survival, the Kremlin’s “special military operation” seems less justified in the eyes of the Russian people.Although Putin has always enjoyed an enormous popularity among the Russian people, more than a few voices have expressed their concern as the war drags on.It’s impossible to know for certain how many soldiers Russia have lost their lives in Putin’s war, but Newsweek cites estimations by Ukrainian authorities which places the number of dead and wounded above 720,000.As of December 27th, 2024, the number of Russian losses had risen to 782,510 according to figures from the Ukrainian General Staff.The New York Times Magazine wrote, back in September 2024, that it’s nearly impossible to know the real numbers of Russian deserters, since their commanders don’t want to raise the alarm to their superior about insubordinate troops.Likewise, soldiers that have deserted the Russian Armed Forces and have managed to find shelter in other countries have generally tried to keep a low profile and avoid talking to the press.