Zelenskyy claims Trump could end war in Ukraine

In 2024, Ukraine faced a significant increase in desertions from its military forces due to mounting fatigue among soldiers and a lack of reserve troops. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the issue during a televised interview, stating that while desertion rates peaked in the fall, they have since slowed. The reports indicate that approximately 100,000 Ukrainian soldiers were officially charged with desertion, with estimates suggesting that actual figures may be double that number. This troubling trend reflects not only the challenging conditions soldiers face on the front lines but also the inadequate rotation and relief systems in place, which have left many feeling that desertion is their only option for respite. Zelensky attributed the rising desertion rates in part to a lack of reinforcements. He highlighted that many soldiers were fatigued and could not be adequately supported with new personnel due to supply chain issues. Furthermore, the Ukrainian government recently decriminalized first-time desertion offenses for soldiers who return by January 1, 2024, attempting to address the problem of abandonment, while also acknowledging the struggles of their ongoing draft campaign. In hopes of bolstering recruitment, officials have made moves such as lowering the mobilization age and imposing stricter penalties for draft avoidance. There has also been considerable pressure from the United States to adjust the draft age to 18, as an attempt to strengthen military readiness. As Ukraine continues to sustain military operations, the situation demands urgent attention from both domestic leadership and international partners, especially as the conflict with Russia escalates further.