Over 28,000 Russians have been convicted of going AWOL, with authorities increasingly sending them back to the war. The article details legal options and risks for soldiers seeking to avoid service.
Key facts
- •Over 28,000 Russians had been convicted of going AWOL as of May 2025.
- •Authorities in the Belgorod region declared 13 people wanted in late June 2026 after they fled.
- •An absence of between two and 10 days can result in imprisonment for up to five years.
- •Desertion during a period of mobilization can carry a penalty of up to 15 years in a maximum-security colony.
- •Since 2024, the number of forced deployments to the front, including to assault units, has risen significantly.
- •Peace Plea (Prizyv k sovesti) provides free consultations to Russians seeking to avoid military service.
More than 28,000 Russians have been convicted of unauthorized absence from their units (AWOL) as of May 2025, driven by a desire to avoid fighting. While prison time can secure a soldier's discharge, authorities have increasingly sought to return detainees to the war. This trend includes a significant rise in forced deployments to the front since 2024.
By the numbers
AWOL Cases and Military Response
The term "sochintsy" colloquially refers to those who go AWOL. In late June 2026, authorities in the Belgorod region declared 13 individuals wanted after they fled almost simultaneously. Those who go AWOL are often caught, and their relatives can be put at risk during roundups. While prison time can lead to discharge, the military has generally tried to send detainees back to service in recent years.
Legal Options and Initial Steps for Soldiers
Soldiers can explore alternatives to AWOL, such as pursuing a review by a military medical commission for health problems or seeking discharge based on documents marked "for official use only." If AWOL is chosen, thorough preparation is crucial, including understanding penalties, gathering documents, and collecting evidence of any violence. The first two days of absence are not yet a crime, allowing a soldier to report abuse of authority to a military investigative department, though this does not guarantee release from service.
Penalties and Post-Detention Strategy
An absence exceeding two days can lead to a criminal case under Article 337 of the Russian Criminal Code, with penalties ranging from up to five years for 2-10 days of absence to up to 10 years for absences longer than a month. Desertion, indicating intent to leave service permanently, can result in up to 15 years in a maximum-security colony during mobilization. If caught, detainees and their families are advised to immediately seek a lawyer and resist deployment to the front, pushing instead for a criminal case to be opened.
Timeline
- Since 2024The number of forced deployments to the front has risen significantly.
- May 2025More than 28,000 Russians had been convicted of going AWOL.
- Late June 2026Authorities in the Belgorod region declared 13 people wanted after they fled.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Meduza (English).
