Russian military saves millions by declaring soldiers AWOL

In Russia, the ongoing conflict in Ukraine has led to significant challenges for the military, particularly in maintaining adequate manpower. As the war approaches its five-year mark, reports indicate that the Russian military has been declaring soldiers missing or AWOL to avoid financial obligations. Families of these soldiers often find themselves in a difficult position, as the military suspends pay and denies benefits to relatives of those declared AWOL, despite the likelihood that many have been killed or captured in action. This practice has been highlighted by the experiences of families like Marina's, who have not heard from their loved ones for extended periods. Marina's son was last heard from in July 2025, and she fears he may be dead. The military's reluctance to change the status of these soldiers is compounded by the bureaucratic hurdles families face when trying to obtain information or support. Reports suggest that the number of soldiers declared AWOL surged in late 2025, with families often resorting to social media to share information and seek help. The financial implications of these declarations are significant, with estimates suggesting that the state saves approximately 13 million rubles, or about $160,000, for each soldier falsely reported as AWOL. This situation has created a climate of fear and uncertainty for families, who are left to navigate a complex and often unresponsive military bureaucracy. The Russian government has publicly praised those who enlist to fight, portraying them as patriotic heroes, while behind the scenes, many families are left struggling without support or answers about their missing loved ones. The lack of transparency and accountability in the military's handling of AWOL cases raises serious questions about the treatment of soldiers and their families during this prolonged conflict.