As of the end of April 2024, the number of deserters from the Southern Military District of the Russian army reached 18,000 individuals.
This information was reported by the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine on Telegram.
According to intelligence data, the majority—approximately 12,000 deserters—come from the 8th Combined Arms Army, which the Russian forces consistently engages in combat operations in eastern Ukraine. Approximately 10,000 of them were mobilized by Moscow. The remaining 2,000 are contract soldiers.
In the 58th Combined Arms Army, which is also part of the southern district of the Russia's army, the desertion rate is approximately 2,500 individuals, according to the statement.
