Ukrainian soldiers desert German training; 80 cases in Saxony-Anhalt

August 20, 2026 at 08:04 PM1 min

This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.

Ukrainian servicemen deserted military training in Germany, with about 80 cases registered in Saxony-Anhalt alone, Die Zeit reported. Germany's defense ministry confirmed individual soldiers left training posts without permission but said no nationwide tally is kept.

Key Facts

Die Zeit registered about 80 desertion cases in Saxony-Anhalt alone.
Daryo.uz reported that about 80 Ukrainian soldiers fled during training in Germany.
Since 2022, about 29,000 Ukrainian servicemen trained at roughly 60 military sites in Germany.
Germany's defense ministry confirmed servicemen left training posts without permission, but said it keeps no nationwide tally.
Under Ukrainian law, desertion carries a prison sentence, and deserters do not automatically qualify for the simplified stay granted to Ukrainian war refugees.

Training and Desertions

Since 2022, about 29,000 Ukrainian servicemen underwent training at roughly 60 German military sites, learning shooting, camouflage, first aid and other basic skills. Die Zeit's investigation registered about 80 desertion cases in Saxony-Anhalt alone and estimated the nationwide figure at several hundred. Germany's defense ministry confirmed that individual soldiers 'left their training posts without permission,' but said no countrywide statistics are kept. Daryo.uz reported that about 80 Ukrainian soldiers fled during training in Germany.

Legal Status and Asylum

Under Ukrainian law, unauthorized absence from a unit is classified as desertion and carries a prison sentence. Die Zeit assessed the likelihood of deserters facing a Ukrainian court as low. They cannot automatically claim the simplified refugee status granted to Ukrainian civilians who fled the war because they arrived as military personnel. Some deserters attempt to stay in Germany through asylum procedures. To stay, they must prove danger or persecution upon return to Ukraine, and the process lasts a year or longer, Die Zeit reported.