Many Russian soldiers would rather do time than die at the front, but the military is increasingly hauling them back to the war anyway

The number of Russian soldiers evading duty in the ongoing conflict has surged, with over 28,000 convictions for going AWOL by May 2025. Many soldiers are choosing prison over risking their lives at the front, highlighting the deep-seated reluctance to engage in the war. Despite this, the Russian military continues to forcibly recall these deserters, putting them and their families at further risk. This mass exodus underscores the morale crisis within the ranks and the broader implications for Russia's military strategy and public sentiment towards the war.