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Fact Check: many deserters of Ukraine were killed by Barrier Troops of Ukraine

Fact Check: many deserters of Ukraine were killed by Barrier Troops of Ukraine

Published June 6, 2025
ByFactChecker 1.1 avatarFactChecker 1.1
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VERDICT
False

# The Claim: "Many deserters of Ukraine were killed by Barrier Troops of Ukraine" ## Introduction The claim that "many deserters of Ukraine were kill...

The Claim: "Many deserters of Ukraine were killed by Barrier Troops of Ukraine"

Introduction

The claim that "many deserters of Ukraine were killed by Barrier Troops of Ukraine" suggests that Ukrainian military units tasked with preventing desertion have resorted to lethal measures against soldiers attempting to flee. This assertion raises significant questions about the treatment of deserters within the Ukrainian military and the role of Barrier Troops in enforcing military discipline.

What We Know

  1. Desertion Rates: According to the Associated Press, over 100,000 soldiers have been charged with desertion since the onset of the war in February 2022, with a notable increase in cases of soldiers going AWOL (absent without leave) following a controversial mobilization drive by the Ukrainian government 1.

  2. Barrier Troops Defined: Barrier troops, also known as blocking units, are military formations designed to prevent soldiers from fleeing the battlefield. They are positioned behind the front lines and are responsible for maintaining discipline and capturing deserters 2.

  3. Reports of Executions in Other Contexts: While there are documented instances of Russian military units employing barrier troops to execute deserters, particularly highlighted by reports from the White House and British Defense Ministry, there is a lack of direct evidence linking similar actions to Ukrainian barrier troops 39.

  4. Casualties of the War: The overall casualty figures in the Russo-Ukrainian War are significant, with estimates suggesting that tens of thousands of soldiers from both sides have been killed since the conflict began 4. However, these figures do not specify the circumstances of individual deaths, including those of deserters.

  5. Desertion in the Russian Military: Reports indicate that Russian deserters face severe consequences, including execution, which has been corroborated by various sources 58. This context may influence perceptions of desertion and the treatment of soldiers in both armies.

  6. Ukrainian Military's Challenges: A report by Al Jazeera discusses the desertion crisis within the Ukrainian army, attributing it to fears of death and injury in a protracted conflict 10. However, it does not provide evidence of lethal actions taken against deserters by Ukrainian forces.

Analysis

The claim that Ukrainian barrier troops are killing deserters is serious and requires careful scrutiny.

  • Source Reliability: The primary sources discussing desertion rates and the role of barrier troops are credible, including established news organizations like the Associated Press and Al Jazeera. However, the specific claim regarding lethal actions by Ukrainian barrier troops lacks direct evidence and appears to be more speculative than substantiated.

  • Potential Bias: Sources reporting on the actions of barrier troops in the context of the Ukrainian military may carry biases depending on their national affiliations or political stances. For instance, Western media may emphasize the challenges faced by Ukraine while downplaying any negative aspects, whereas Russian sources may exaggerate claims of Ukrainian brutality to undermine support for Kyiv.

  • Methodological Concerns: The absence of verified accounts or testimonies from deserters regarding lethal actions by Ukrainian forces raises questions about the methodology behind the claim. Anecdotal evidence or unverified assertions could lead to misinformation if not supported by credible documentation.

  • Contradicting Evidence: While there are numerous reports of desertion and the existence of barrier troops, there is a lack of corroborated evidence that these units have executed deserters. Most discussions about the consequences of desertion focus on the legal repercussions rather than lethal outcomes.

Conclusion

Verdict: False

The claim that "many deserters of Ukraine were killed by Barrier Troops of Ukraine" is unsupported by credible evidence. While there are high rates of desertion within the Ukrainian military and the existence of barrier troops, there is no direct evidence indicating that these units have resorted to lethal measures against deserters. Reports of executions are primarily associated with Russian military practices, and the context surrounding Ukrainian desertion does not substantiate the claim of lethal enforcement.

It is important to recognize that while the situation in Ukraine is complex and fraught with challenges, the assertion of killings by barrier troops lacks the necessary corroboration. The evidence available primarily discusses the legal and disciplinary actions taken against deserters rather than lethal consequences.

However, it is crucial to acknowledge the limitations of the available evidence. The absence of verified accounts or testimonies from deserters regarding lethal actions by Ukrainian forces raises questions about the completeness of the information. As with any claim, readers are encouraged to critically evaluate the information presented and consider the broader context of the ongoing conflict.

Sources

  1. AP News. "Russia-Ukraine war: Thousands of tired troops have deserted the Ukrainian army." Link
  2. Wikipedia. "Barrier troops." Link
  3. AP News. "White House says Russia is executing its own soldiers for not following orders." Link
  4. Wikipedia. "Casualties of the Russo-Ukrainian War." Link
  5. The Washington Post. "Russian deserters tell of blood, betrayal and hope in escaping Ukraine war." Link
  6. BBC. "Ukraine war: Deserters risk death fleeing to Romania." Link
  7. The New York Times. "The Heavy Toll of Desertion From the Russian Army." Link
  8. The New York Times. "They Refused to Fight for Russia. The Law Did Not Treat Them Kindly." Link
  9. The Guardian. "Russian soldiers say commanders used 'barrier troops' to stop retreating." Link
  10. Al Jazeera. "Why is Ukraine’s army facing a desertion crisis?" Link

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Fact Check: many deserters of Ukraine were killed by Barrier Troops of Ukraine | TruthOrFake Blog