**Over 20,000 Russian Soldiers Prosecuted for Refusing to Fight in Ukraine**
A staggering number of Russian soldiers have been punished for refusing to fight in Ukraine. According to a report by the independent media outlet Mediazona, more than 20,000 soldiers have faced prosecution since September 2022. This figure is based on data from military courts and has increased significantly compared to last year’s numbers.
The statistics are alarming. Out of these cases, 18,159 were related to soldiers going AWOL (absent without leave), while 1,369 cases involved failure to comply with orders. Desertion was the reason for 1,010 cases. What’s even more disturbing is that 17,721 of those accused have already been sentenced.
The use of “gulag-style” abuse by Moscow to maintain order and punish perceived offenders has also come to light. Reports of Russian soldiers being mistreated by their commanders and fellow troops have emerged since the full-scale war against Ukraine began. The Insider reported that these tactics are part of a systematic program used by the Kremlin.
Despite calls for an unconditional ceasefire from Kyiv, the U.S., and European partners, Moscow has continued to intensify its military efforts in Ukraine. President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Russia recruits around 40,000-45,000 men for its military every month. This recruitment drive is believed to be part of a broader effort to boost troop numbers.
**Russia’s Military Efforts**
In late 2024, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree to increase the size of Russia’s Armed Forces to about 2.4 million, including 1.5 million military personnel. This significant expansion of Russia’s military capabilities has raised concerns among Ukraine and its allies.
The report by Mediazona highlights the challenges faced by soldiers who refuse to fight in Ukraine. The outlet documented 20,538 such cases since September 2022, compared to 10,025 cases reported last June.
**International Reactions**
The global community continues to respond to Russia’s actions. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed hope for a meeting between the leaders of Turkey and Ukraine to discuss the ongoing conflict. Meanwhile, Pyongyang has begun recruiting soldiers for deployment to Russia, according to South Korean news agency Yonhap.
As the situation in Ukraine remains tense, Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi stated that the enemy’s “summer offensive” from Russian territory is faltering. The poll promoted by Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s government has drawn criticism over its credibility and turnout.
**Russian Military Court Convicts Ukrainian POWs**
A Russian military court has convicted 184 Ukrainian prisoners of war (POWs) captured in Kursk Oblast of acts of terrorism, Mediazona reported on June 25. This move has been met with international condemnation.
**Ukraine Signs Landmark Agreement**
In a significant development, Ukraine and the Council of Europe signed a landmark agreement to establish a Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression. The signing follows more than three years of diplomatic efforts and deliberation. This agreement aims to prosecute Russian leadership for the full-scale invasion.
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