Three soldiers currently serving in the 108th Mountain Assault Brigade “Edelweiss” have shared their experiences of leaving military service and returning after facing various challenges. Their stories highlight the personal struggles and motivations behind their decisions.
The first soldier, known by the call sign “Casey,” is a 25-year-old from Ivano-Frankivsk. Before leaving, he served as a combat medic, providing first aid under fire. He cited conflicts with command as a significant reason for his departure, stating, “I was often unable to report the situation during evacuations because command would monopolize communication channels.” He also suffered physical injuries that went untreated, leading him to leave during a medical leave. After a brief absence, he returned voluntarily to serve as a drone pilot in the brigade, feeling more suited to the role.
Another soldier, 33-year-old “Samurai” from Cherkasy, joined the military in 2024. He served as a platoon commander in a tank unit and experienced significant losses within his brigade. Concerned about the potential for further casualties, he and his unit decided to leave and transfer to a more experienced brigade. “We knew we needed to move to a more capable unit to ensure our safety,” he explained. After three months, he successfully transitioned to the 108th Brigade, where he now assists families of missing or captured soldiers.
Lastly, 35-year-old Eduard, known as “Pichenka,” hails from Kyiv and was mobilized in September 2024. He initially worked in reconnaissance, operating drones but became frustrated with delayed pay and inadequate support. “For three months, I didn’t receive any salary or combat pay. I realized I couldn’t stay there,” he said. He transferred to the 108th Brigade in January last year, prioritizing his family’s needs over his own.
These accounts reflect a broader issue within the Ukrainian military regarding voluntary departures. Many soldiers leave during training due to a lack of clarity and motivation, as noted by military officer Margarita Omelyanenko. She emphasized the need for better preparation for modern warfare to retain personnel.
Additionally, lawmaker Solomiya Bobrovska pointed out that punitive measures alone will not resolve the issue of voluntary departures. She criticized recent legislation that increased penalties for such actions, arguing that understanding the circumstances behind each case is crucial for effective solutions.
Three soldiers from the 108th Mountain Assault Brigade share their experiences of leaving and returning to military service, revealing personal challenges and broader issues within the Ukrainian military. Their stories underscore the need for better support and understanding of soldiers' motivations.