Tag

Desertion

All articles tagged with #desertion

world-news1 year ago

Rising Desertions Strain Ukraine's Military Recruitment Efforts

Ukraine's military is facing a significant desertion crisis, with over 100,000 soldiers charged under desertion laws since Russia's invasion in 2022. This issue is severely impacting Ukraine's military capabilities, leading to vulnerable defensive lines and territorial losses. Many soldiers are demoralized by the war's bleak prospects and the lack of psychological support, with some leaving due to trauma or disagreements with commanders. The situation highlights deep-rooted problems in Ukraine's military management and the challenges of sustaining manpower in prolonged conflict.

world-military1 year ago

"Russian Soldiers Fleeing Putin's War Face Prosecution and Uncertain Future"

Thousands of Russian soldiers have deserted Putin's war in Ukraine, facing criminal cases and seeking asylum in the West. Many are living in hiding, with few winning protection despite surging asylum claims. Policymakers are divided over whether to view them as potential assets or risks to national security. Russian soldiers are contacting activist groups for help, but face challenges in seeking asylum due to limited travel options and bureaucratic hurdles. Despite the risks, deserters continue to flee, urging Western policymakers to reconsider and provide a safe haven for those who do not want to fight.

world-news1 year ago

"Russian Soldiers Seek Escape from Ukraine Conflict, Pursue Asylum Abroad"

As the number of Russian soldiers deserting the war in Ukraine surges, many face challenges in seeking asylum abroad, with few winning protection despite the increase in overall asylum claims from Russian citizens. Policymakers are divided over whether to view Russian deserters as potential assets or risks to national security. An underground network of Russian anti-war activists is helping soldiers escape, but many are living in hiding and facing deportation and persecution. The soldiers' stories shed light on the moral and ethical dilemmas they faced on the battlefield, as well as the difficulties they encounter in seeking refuge and starting a new life.

politics2 years ago

"US Army Charges Soldier Travis King with Desertion for Entering North Korea"

Pvt. Travis T. King, the American soldier who crossed into North Korea in July and returned to the United States last month, has been charged with desertion, assaulting other soldiers, and child pornography. The charges were filed by officials at Fort Bliss, and King is currently being held at a civilian jail near Fort Bliss. His mother expressed concern about his mental health and stated that she believes something happened to him while he was deployed. King's time in North Korea remains largely unknown, but he was expelled by North Korean officials in late September for "illegally intruding" into their territory.

military2 years ago

"US Soldier Travis King Charged with Desertion for Crossing into North Korea"

Army private Travis King, who crossed into North Korea and was detained for two months before being returned to the U.S., has been charged with desertion, possessing child pornography, and multiple assaults. King's mother issued a statement asking for her son to be presumed innocent and expressing concern about his mental health. He has been assigned a legal team and will have his day in court.

crime2 years ago

"US Soldier Travis King Charged with Desertion for Running into North Korea"

U.S. soldier Pvt. 2nd Class Travis King, who fled to North Korea and was expelled in September, has been charged with desertion, assaulting fellow soldiers, and soliciting child pornography. King is accused of running across the border into North Korea from South Korea, where he was stationed, and is also facing charges related to attempting to escape from U.S. military custody, violating curfew, striking military personnel, and drinking alcohol against orders. His legal team is requesting fair treatment and a presumption of innocence, expressing concern about his mental health. King's mother supports him and looks forward to his day in court.

crime2 years ago

US Army Charges Private Travis King with Desertion for Crossing into North Korea

U.S. soldier Travis King, who crossed into North Korea from South Korea earlier this year, has been charged with desertion, assaulting soldiers and officers, soliciting and possessing child pornography, making false statements, and disobeying superior officers. King's mother expressed concern about his mental health and requested that he be presumed innocent. He entered North Korea on foot during a guided tour and had previously faced possible disciplinary action from the U.S. Army. After spending time in a South Korean jail on assault charges, he was deported from North Korea and returned to U.S. custody.

military2 years ago

"Army Pvt. Travis King: Potential Charges for Desertion and AWOL After North Korea Deployment"

Army Pvt. Travis King, who sought refuge in North Korea, has returned to the US and will undergo physical and mental health assessments as part of the Army's reintegration process. Possible charges he may face include being absent without leave (AWOL) or desertion. Punishments for these offenses can range from jail time to dishonorable discharge. The Army could seek more serious charges to set an example, but no decision on punishment is expected soon. Historical precedent suggests a relatively light sentence for desertion to North Korea.

militaryjustice2 years ago

Judge Throws Out Bowe Bergdahl's Desertion Conviction

A US judge has vacated the military conviction of Bowe Bergdahl, a former army soldier who pleaded guilty to desertion after leaving his post in Afghanistan and being captured and tortured by the Taliban. The judge ruled that the military judge overseeing the court-martial failed to disclose a potential conflict of interest, as he had applied for a job as an immigration judge. While rejecting the argument of undue command influence, the judge stated that a reasonable person could question the judge's impartiality. Bergdahl's conviction and sentence had been upheld by military appeals courts before his lawyers took the case to the US district court, resulting in the recent ruling.

military2 years ago

Former US Soldier's Desertion Conviction Vacated by Judge

A federal judge has vacated the military conviction of former U.S. Army soldier Bowe Bergdahl, who pleaded guilty to desertion after leaving his post in Afghanistan and being captured and tortured by the Taliban. The judge ruled that the military judge overseeing the court-martial failed to disclose a potential conflict of interest, as he had applied for a job as an immigration judge. Former President Donald Trump's strong criticism of Bergdahl during the 2016 campaign was also cited as a factor. Bergdahl's lawyers argued that Trump's comments influenced the case.

military-conflict2 years ago

Dagestani Soldiers Defy Russian Army, Destroy Weaponry

Around 50 ethnic Dagestani soldiers in Zaporizhzhia Oblast have refused to fight in the Russian army and have destroyed their weapons, according to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The desertions are increasing as Ukraine's defense forces achieve success and Russia suffers significant personnel losses. Russian forces are also reported to be using the civilian population as human shields.

conflict2 years ago

Russian Soldiers Retreat as Ukraine Advances

Russian soldiers are reportedly fleeing the front lines in eastern Ukraine as Kyiv's counteroffensive gains momentum. The Ukrainian military claims that Moscow's troops are moving away from the front lines in the contested eastern Luhansk region. Desertion has become a documented problem in Russia's forces in Ukraine, with some reports suggesting that Kremlin generals may have sanctioned the use of weapons against deserters. Both sides are racking up high casualty counts, with Russian losses likely at their highest point since the peak of the battle for Bakhmut in March.

conflict2 years ago

Weapons Stolen by Russian Military Near Soledar Found

Seven former convicts, now serving in the Russian army, escaped from a military unit near Soledar in the occupied part of Donetsk Oblast. Three of them were detained, while two more were later caught. The whereabouts of the other escapees and their identities are still unknown. The escape took place on 24 May, and more than a dozen soldiers are wanted, and they may be armed. An interception plan was introduced in Rostov Oblast.

crime2 years ago

Former Wagner Fighter Sentenced and Seeks Asylum in Norway

A Russian man claiming to be a deserter from the Kremlin-linked Wagner mercenary group was handed a 14-day suspended sentence for a street fight in central Oslo. The court acquitted him of the more serious charge of assaulting police officers. Medvedev claims to have fought in Ukraine as a member of Wagner for four months before deserting in November when the group allegedly extended his contract against his will. He has sought asylum in Norway but has been a headache for authorities since his arrival in mid-January.

international2 years ago

Russian Soldiers Allege Coercion to Prevent Retreat

Members of a Russian assault unit, Storm, have accused their commanders of deploying troops to stop them from retreating and threatening them with death after they suffered "huge" losses in eastern Ukraine. The unit was set up by the defence ministry in January to take part in Moscow's winter offensive in eastern Ukraine. The men alleged they were being forced to give money to their commanders and those who refused were sent to the frontline. The appeal is the latest in a steady stream of similar videos that have surfaced since January, indicating Russia's troops continue to be plagued by low morale and mismanagement.