An increasing number of soldiers are seeking to leave the service and avoid death in the war against Ukraine. This is particularly evidenced by the sharp rise in registered criminal cases of bribery within the russian army, the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine reports.
For example, in the Southern Military District of the Armed Forces of russia, the number of criminal cases opened for illegal discharge from service due to health reasons and the granting of illegal leaves has tripled in the first five months of 2024.
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Nearly half of these cases involve the occupiers of the 8th Combined Arms Army, while another 36% pertain to the 58th Combined Arms Army, whose commander was arrested this spring on suspicion of corruption.
Over one hundred cases of bribery for granting leave from the combat zone have been opened against officials of military units in the Southern Military District.
Among these:
- 38 cases involve servicemen of the 102nd Motor Rifle Regiment, engaged in combat in the Chasiv Yar area;
- 35 cases involve the 71st Motor Rifle Regiment, located on the border with the Sumy region;
- 33 cases involve the 49th Brigade of the 49th Army.
Additionally, 43 cases are being investigated for bribes taken to declare russian occupiers partially fit for service.
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