Russia detains two Ukrainian deserters who crossed border
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 1 December 2016 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Russia detains two Ukrainian deserters who crossed border, 1 December 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5975a2cc19.html [accessed 21 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
December 01, 2016
Units of Ukraine's naval forces' marine brigade drill in the Kherson and Zaporizhia regions in September.
Russian border guards say they have detained two Ukrainian soldiers who deserted from the Ukrainian armed forces and crossed the border into Russia.
Russian news agencies quoted the border guard service in the southern region of Rostov-on-Don on November 30 as saying the two men deserted because they were tired of fighting.
There was no immediate comment from Ukrainian officials on the announcement.
One of the soldiers was quoted as saying he had been called up to service in January 2015 and was sick of fighting. Another reportedly said he had been drafted into service by force.
If confirmed, the incident brings the number of Ukrainians soldiers crossing into Russia this month alone to three.
The conflict in eastern Ukraine erupted in April 2014, pitting government forces against Russia-backed separatists.
The United Nations says at least 9,600 people have been killed, and tens of thousands forced to flee.
Based on reporting by RIA Novosti and Interfax
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
