European leaders gathered in Paris on Monday (Feb 17) for urgent discussions on their role in a possible ceasefire in Ukraine. 
The meeting, called by French President Emmanuel Macron, followed the United States&rsquo; unexpected move last week to exclude Kyiv and its European allies from peace negotiations.
<h2>Scholz: 'No diktat can be imposed on Ukraine'</h2>
After the meeting, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz briefed the media, and stressed that any peace deal must not be forced upon Ukraine.
"We welcome that there are talks about a peace agreement, but for us, it is clear this cannot be a diktat," Scholz said.
For more updates read our blog on the Paris summit:
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-peace-talks-live-europe-plays-catch-up-in-paris-as-marco-rubio-arrives-in-saudi-arabia-for-talks-with-russia-without-zelensky-8729487">Ukraine peace talks LIVE: 'Emergency Summit' begins in Paris ahead of US-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia</a>
He stressed that Europe must continue to support Ukraine and reassure Kyiv of its unwavering backing.
Scholz also underlined that Ukraine must be allowed to defend itself, continue its path toward joining the European Union, and maintain a strong military, saying that these matters are non-negotiable.
<h2>Scholz dismisses speculation about European troops in Ukraine</h2>
When asked about the possibility of deploying European troops to Ukraine as part of a peacekeeping force, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/car-drives-into-crowd-in-munich-several-injured-german-police-8717536">Scholz</a> reiterated that such discussions were premature. He dismissed the idea as "highly inappropriate," saying it was speculative and ahead of any actual peace talks.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/too-soon-europe-split-on-ukraine-troop-deployment-as-trump-courts-putin-for-peace-talks-8730102" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">'Too soon': Europe split on Ukraine troop deployment as Trump courts&nbsp;Putin&nbsp;for&nbsp;peace&nbsp;talks</a>
He also insisted that Europe and the United States must remain aligned on security matters, stressing the importance of NATO.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro S&aacute;nchez said, "Europe wants peace, but one that preserves the principles on which the international order is based." He added that&nbsp;a fair peace for Ukraine is inseparable from European security.
Meanwhile, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson&nbsp;assured strong support for Ukraine.
In a social media post, Kristersson wrote, "No discussions should be held about Ukraine without Ukraine, and support for Ukraine needs to be increased and accelerated."
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-considering-to-buy-multi-billion-dollar-defence-from-us-to-win-trump-administrations-support-8730512" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Taiwan considering to buy multi-billion dollar defence from US to win Trump administration's support: Report</a>
Meanwhile, US envoy Keith Kellogg said on Monday that he would not tell Ukraine to accept whatever deal is negotiated by President Donald Trump to end Russia's war, ahead of a visit to Kyiv.
"The decision by Ukrainians is a Ukrainian decision," Kellogg told journalists after talks with US allies at NATO headquarters in Brussels. 
"Zelensky is the elected leader of a sovereign nation and those decisions are his and nobody will impose those on an elected leader of a sovereign nation," Kellogg said.
(With inputs from agencies)

World: The meeting, called by French President Emmanuel Macron, followed the United States’ unexpected move last week to exclude Kyiv and its European allies from peace negotiations.

European leaders gathered in Paris on Monday (Feb 17) for urgent discussions on their role in a possible ceasefire in Ukraine. The meeting, called by French President Emmanuel Macron, followed the United States’ unexpected move last week to exclude Kyiv and its European allies from peace negotiations. Scholz: 'No diktat can be imposed on Ukraine' After the meeting, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz briefed the media, and stressed that any peace deal must not be forced upon Ukraine. "We welcome that there are talks about a peace agreement, but for us, it is clear this cannot be a diktat," Scholz said. For more updates read our blog on the Paris summit: Ukraine peace talks LIVE: 'Emergency Summit' begins in Paris ahead of US-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia He stressed that Europe must continue to support Ukraine and reassure Kyiv of its unwavering backing. Scholz also underlined that Ukraine must be allowed to defend itself, continue its path toward joining the European Union, and maintain a strong military, saying that these matters are non-negotiable. Scholz dismisses speculation about European troops in Ukraine When asked about the possibility of deploying European troops to Ukraine as part of a peacekeeping force, Scholz reiterated that such discussions were premature. He dismissed the idea as "highly inappropriate," saying it was speculative and ahead of any actual peace talks. Also read: 'Too soon': Europe split on Ukraine troop deployment as Trump courts Putin for peace talks He also insisted that Europe and the United States must remain aligned on security matters, stressing the importance of NATO. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said, "Europe wants peace, but one that preserves the principles on which the international order is based." He added that a fair peace for Ukraine is inseparable from European security. Meanwhile, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson assured strong support for Ukraine. In a social media post, Kristersson wrote, "No discussions should be held about Ukraine without Ukraine, and support for Ukraine needs to be increased and accelerated." Also read: Taiwan considering to buy multi-billion dollar defence from US to win Trump administration's support: Report Meanwhile, US envoy Keith Kellogg said on Monday that he would not tell Ukraine to accept whatever deal is negotiated by President Donald Trump to end Russia's war, ahead of a visit to Kyiv. "The decision by Ukrainians is a Ukrainian decision," Kellogg told journalists after talks with US allies at NATO headquarters in Brussels. "Zelensky is the elected leader of a sovereign nation and those decisions are his and nobody will impose those on an elected leader of a sovereign nation," Kellogg said. (With inputs from agencies)

‘No diktat on Ukraine’: Europe pushes back with ‘emergency meet’ as US sidelines Kyiv from talks to end war

French President Emmanuel Macron will convene a summit of European leaders in Paris on Monday (Feb 17) to discuss the continent&rsquo;s security, Foreign Minister Jean-No&euml;l Barrot confirmed.&nbsp;
The meeting comes as concerns grow over the United States' handling of the Ukraine war, particularly after President Donald Trump&rsquo;s direct engagement with Russian leader Vladimir Putin.
Trump&rsquo;s phone call with Putin earlier this week caught Ukraine and its European allies off guard, raising fears that the US may negotiate a settlement without European involvement.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-war-secretary-of-state-marco-rubio-mike-waltz-steve-witkoff-heads-to-saudi-arabia-for-ukraine-peace-talks-with-russia-without-ukraine-8726984" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">'Powerful signal': Trump&rsquo;s team heads to Saudi Arabia for Ukraine peace talks with Russia without Ukraine</a>
Barrot, speaking on France Inter radio, did not specify which countries would participate, but a European diplomatic source told AFP news agency that leaders from Britain, Germany, Poland, Italy, and Denmark, along with NATO Secretary-General Marc Rutte and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, are expected to attend. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is also set to be present.
<h2>Growing European anxiety over US actions</h2>
At the Munich Security Conference, Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski welcomed Macron&rsquo;s initiative, saying European leaders needed to discuss the challenges posed by Trump.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/there-can-never-be-nuclear-iran-netanyahu-rubio-discuss-hamas-trumps-gaza-plan-and-tehrans-aggression-8726530" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">&lsquo;There can never be nuclear Iran&rsquo;: Netanyahu, Rubio discuss Hamas, Trump&rsquo;s Gaza plan, and Tehran&rsquo;s &lsquo;aggression&rsquo;</a>
"President Trump has a method of operating which the Russians call razvedka boyem&mdash;reconnaissance through battle: you push and see what happens, then adjust accordingly&hellip; We need to respond," Sikorski said.
The Paris meeting is expected to address multiple issues, including:
<ul>
<li>US attempts to sideline Europe in peace talks with Russia</li>
<li>Ukraine&rsquo;s potential NATO membership</li>
<li>How Ukraine can receive security guarantees</li>
</ul>
Macron&rsquo;s hurry to convene European leaders reflects growing concerns that the US is taking control of the negotiations while keeping European governments at a distance.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-arabia-fears-iran-may-go-nuclear-seeks-to-broker-new-trump-tehran-deal-report-8726369" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Saudi Arabia fears Iran may go nuclear, seeks to broker new Trump-Tehran deal: Report</a>
<h2>US Special Envoy&rsquo;s comments spark outrage</h2>
Tensions escalated further after Trump&rsquo;s special envoy for Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, suggested that European leaders were not essential to the peace talks.
"It may be like chalk on a blackboard, it may grate a little bit, but I&rsquo;m being honest," Kellogg said at the Munich Security Conference. He urged European leaders to focus on increasing defence spending instead of complaining about being left out of discussions.
Kellogg also hinted at a rapid timeline for an agreement, saying he was working on "Trump time" and expected a deal "in weeks and months."
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/trump-20-arrogance-election-interference-censorship-hypocrisy-8726348" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Trump 2.0: Arrogance, election interference, censorship hypocrisy</a>
<h2>Zelenskyy warns US against exclusion</h2>
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy used his speech at the Munich conference to call on Europe to take a stronger role in its defence.
"We cannot rule out that America might say no to Europe on issues that threaten it. Many leaders have talked about a European army&mdash;now is the time," Zelenskyy said.
He insisted that Ukraine must be part of any negotiation and urged Europe to ensure decisions about the continent&rsquo;s security are not made without its involvement. "No decisions about Ukraine without Ukraine. No decisions about Europe without Europe," he added.
(With inputs from agencies)

World: Trump’s phone call with Putin earlier this week caught Ukraine and its European allies off guard, raising fears that the US may negotiate a settlement without European involvement.

French President Emmanuel Macron will convene a summit of European leaders in Paris on Monday (Feb 17) to discuss the continent’s security, Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot confirmed. The meeting comes as concerns grow over the United States' handling of the Ukraine war, particularly after President Donald Trump’s direct engagement with Russian leader Vladimir Putin. Trump’s phone call with Putin earlier this week caught Ukraine and its European allies off guard, raising fears that the US may negotiate a settlement without European involvement. Also read: 'Powerful signal': Trump’s team heads to Saudi Arabia for Ukraine peace talks with Russia without Ukraine Barrot, speaking on France Inter radio, did not specify which countries would participate, but a European diplomatic source told AFP news agency that leaders from Britain, Germany, Poland, Italy, and Denmark, along with NATO Secretary-General Marc Rutte and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, are expected to attend. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is also set to be present. Growing European anxiety over US actions At the Munich Security Conference, Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski welcomed Macron’s initiative, saying European leaders needed to discuss the challenges posed by Trump. Also read: ‘There can never be nuclear Iran’: Netanyahu, Rubio discuss Hamas, Trump’s Gaza plan, and Tehran’s ‘aggression’ "President Trump has a method of operating which the Russians call razvedka boyem—reconnaissance through battle: you push and see what happens, then adjust accordingly… We need to respond," Sikorski said. The Paris meeting is expected to address multiple issues, including: US attempts to sideline Europe in peace talks with Russia Ukraine’s potential NATO membership How Ukraine can receive security guarantees Macron’s hurry to convene European leaders reflects growing concerns that the US is taking control of the negotiations while keeping European governments at a distance. Also read: Saudi Arabia fears Iran may go nuclear, seeks to broker new Trump-Tehran deal: Report US Special Envoy’s comments spark outrage Tensions escalated further after Trump’s special envoy for Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, suggested that European leaders were not essential to the peace talks. "It may be like chalk on a blackboard, it may grate a little bit, but I’m being honest," Kellogg said at the Munich Security Conference. He urged European leaders to focus on increasing defence spending instead of complaining about being left out of discussions. Kellogg also hinted at a rapid timeline for an agreement, saying he was working on "Trump time" and expected a deal "in weeks and months." Also read: Trump 2.0: Arrogance, election interference, censorship hypocrisy Zelenskyy warns US against exclusion Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy used his speech at the Munich conference to call on Europe to take a stronger role in its defence. "We cannot rule out that America might say no to Europe on issues that threaten it. Many leaders have talked about a European army—now is the time," Zelenskyy said. He insisted that Ukraine must be part of any negotiation and urged Europe to ensure decisions about the continent’s security are not made without its involvement. "No decisions about Ukraine without Ukraine. No decisions about Europe without Europe," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

‘We need to respond’: Macron calls 'emergency summit' as Trump snubs Europe, Kyiv in Russia-Ukraine talks

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he was ready to negotiate with Russia if he received assurances that the United States and Europe would not abandon Ukraine.
In an interview aired on Sunday (Feb 9), Zelensky addressed US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/donald-trump" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Donald&nbsp;</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/donald-trump" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Trump's</a> proposed plan for a swift resolution to the conflict in Ukraine. He added that any agreement must not only end the war but also prevent future Russian aggression.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-preparing-for-war-not-peace-or-negotiations-zelensky-claims-8703418" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Also read: 'Putin preparing for war, not peace or negotiations', Zelensky claims</a>
Zelensky said, "A frozen conflict will lead to more aggression again and again. Who then will win prizes and go down in history as the victor? No one. It will be an absolute defeat for everyone, both for us, as is important, and for Trump," he told Britain&rsquo;s ITV.
<h2>Ready for any format for talks, if America and&nbsp;Europe will not abandon Ukraine</h2>
"If I had an understanding that America and Europe will not abandon us and they will support us and provide security guarantees, I would be ready for any format for talks," he said.
These comments came as Trump suggested he had been in discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin and that progress was being made towards ending the war.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-talked-to-putin-says-russian-president-wants-to-see-people-stop-dying-in-ukraine-war-report-8703614" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Also read: Trump talks to Putin, says Russian president &lsquo;wants to see people stop dying&rsquo; in Ukraine war: Report</a>
<h2>Trump confirms conversation with Putin</h2>
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Sunday, Trump was asked whether his conversation with Putin had taken place since he assumed office on 20 January or earlier. "I&rsquo;ve had it. Let&rsquo;s just say I&rsquo;ve had it ... And I expect to have many more conversations. We have to get that war ended," he responded.
<h2>Trump 'prepared to tax, tariff, or sanction' Moscow</h2>
Meanwhile, Trump&rsquo;s national security adviser, Mike Waltz, said that senior US diplomats would be in Europe this week to discuss the details of ending the conflict. In an interview with NBC, Waltz added that Russia&rsquo;s economy was struggling and that Trump "is prepared to tax, to tariff, to sanction" Moscow to push Putin towards negotiations.
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<h2>Russia yet to receive 'concrete proposals': Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin</h2>
Russia&rsquo;s Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin said on Monday&nbsp;that Moscow was yet to receive a viable proposal for talks on Ukraine. In an interview with the state news agency RIA, he said, "It is important that words be backed up by practical steps that take into account Russia&rsquo;s legitimate interests, demonstrating a readiness to eradicate the root causes of the crisis and recognise the new realities."
He added, "Concrete proposals of this nature have not yet been received."
(With inputs from agencies)

World: "If I had an understanding that America and Europe will not abandon us and they will support us and provide security guarantees, I would be ready for any format for talks," Zelensky said.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he was ready to negotiate with Russia if he received assurances that the United States and Europe would not abandon Ukraine. In an interview aired on Sunday (Feb 9), Zelensky addressed US President Donald Trump's proposed plan for a swift resolution to the conflict in Ukraine. He added that any agreement must not only end the war but also prevent future Russian aggression. Also read: 'Putin preparing for war, not peace or negotiations', Zelensky claims Zelensky said, "A frozen conflict will lead to more aggression again and again. Who then will win prizes and go down in history as the victor? No one. It will be an absolute defeat for everyone, both for us, as is important, and for Trump," he told Britain’s ITV. Ready for any format for talks, if America and Europe will not abandon Ukraine "If I had an understanding that America and Europe will not abandon us and they will support us and provide security guarantees, I would be ready for any format for talks," he said. These comments came as Trump suggested he had been in discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin and that progress was being made towards ending the war. Also read: Trump talks to Putin, says Russian president ‘wants to see people stop dying’ in Ukraine war: Report Trump confirms conversation with Putin Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Sunday, Trump was asked whether his conversation with Putin had taken place since he assumed office on 20 January or earlier. "I’ve had it. Let’s just say I’ve had it ... And I expect to have many more conversations. We have to get that war ended," he responded. Trump 'prepared to tax, tariff, or sanction' Moscow Meanwhile, Trump’s national security adviser, Mike Waltz, said that senior US diplomats would be in Europe this week to discuss the details of ending the conflict. In an interview with NBC, Waltz added that Russia’s economy was struggling and that Trump "is prepared to tax, to tariff, to sanction" Moscow to push Putin towards negotiations. Also read: ‘Won't be kind to him’: Zelensky open to face-to-face talks with 'enemy' Putin, but only under one condition Russia yet to receive 'concrete proposals': Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin said on Monday that Moscow was yet to receive a viable proposal for talks on Ukraine. In an interview with the state news agency RIA, he said, "It is important that words be backed up by practical steps that take into account Russia’s legitimate interests, demonstrating a readiness to eradicate the root causes of the crisis and recognise the new realities." He added, "Concrete proposals of this nature have not yet been received." (With inputs from agencies)

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When Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine three years ago, Ukrainian soldiers were ready to sacrifice their lives for their country. However, after three years of conflict, the situation has changed. Desertion has become a pressing issue, drawing significant attention in Ukraine. 
Last week, the government launched an investigation into a brigade whose 56 soldiers disappeared during a training session in France, while hundreds of others are also reportedly missing.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-war-when-russians-hide-north-koreans-shoot-how-pyongyangs-troops-are-reshaping-8633581">'When Russians hide, North Koreans&nbsp;shoot': How Pyongyang's troops are reshaping Russia-Ukraine war</a>
The brigade's commander has been arrested and faces a 10-year prison sentence for failing to carry out his official duties and not reporting unauthorised absences.
<h2>Ukraine faces severe shortage of soldiers</h2>
Ukraine is facing a severe shortage of soldiers, particularly in infantry units. The Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine&rsquo;s parliament, has been debating efforts to increase recruitment. 
Deserters currently face prison sentences of between 12 and 15 years. However, last summer, the parliament removed criminal penalties for those who voluntarily return to their battalions, restoring their full benefits.
<h2>'I&rsquo;m nobody. Just a number'</h2>
A soldier who fought in the village of Tonenke near Avdiivka in 2023 described his experience to The Guardian: &ldquo;When I arrived I was super-motivated. If necessary, I would give my life.&rdquo; 
Over time, though, his enthusiasm faded. &ldquo;The Russians would smash our positions to the ground,&rdquo; he said.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tulsi-gabbard-confirmation-hearing-us-senate-donald-trumps-director-of-national-intelligence-pick-8676030" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Also read: 'Not Putin&rsquo;s or Modi&rsquo;s puppet&rsquo;: Trump's US top spy pick Tulsi Gabbard defends loyalty at confirmation hearing</a>
According to him, senior Ukrainian commanders issued unrealistic orders. While defending a destroyed building, a falling panel struck his shoulder. &ldquo;I realised I&rsquo;m nobody. Just a number,&rdquo; he told The Guardian.
In May of that year, he left his post to seek medical treatment and did not return. His commander listed him as AWOL. 
The soldier claimed he attempted to rejoin his brigade in August 2023 but was told he was no longer wanted. 
He is among thousands of Ukrainian soldiers who have left their units. While the exact number remains classified, officials confirmed to The Guardian that it is substantial.
&ldquo;Everybody is tired. The mood has changed. People used to hug soldiers in the streets. Now they worry about being conscripted,&rdquo; he said.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-says-russia-ready-for-peace-talks-but-rules-out-speaking-directly-with-illegitimate-zelensky-8662995" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Also read: Putin says Russia ready for peace talks but rules out speaking directly with 'illegitimate' Zelensky</a>
&ldquo;One guy lost an arm. Another a leg. Some had bullet wounds. Nobody is completely OK. Even so, we managed to achieve some tasks,&rdquo; he added.
<h2>'I decided to go where nobody can find me'</h2>
Another deserter, who had participated in Ukrainian offensives in the Mykolaiv and Kherson regions, shared his perspective with The Guardian: &ldquo;I reached boiling point. So I decided to go where nobody can find me.&rdquo;
Since then, he has been in hiding. &ldquo;We will see what happens. Maybe I get caught and sent to the frontline,&rdquo; he said. However, he said that he would fight again if Russian forces entered his town or if the Ukrainian military became a fully reformed NATO-style force with better leadership.
<h2>'Problem is big'</h2>
Olha Reshetylova, Ukraine&rsquo;s commissioner for protecting service members&rsquo; rights, recognised the gravity of the situation. She told The Guardian, &ldquo;Let&rsquo;s be honest. The problem is big. It&rsquo;s natural in a situation where you&rsquo;ve had three years of major war. People are exhausted. They want to see their families. Their children are growing up without them. Relationships get broken. Wives and husbands can&rsquo;t wait for ever. They feel alone.&rdquo;
&ldquo;It&rsquo;s a complex and complicated problem. We can&rsquo;t solve this with criminal punishment. If it comes to a choice between being killed and going to prison, of course at that moment you will go with the second option,&rdquo; she said.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zelensky-hints-at-possibility-of-peace-talks-with-russia-says-allies-should-work-on-its-format-8653717" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Also read: Zelensky hints at possibility of peace talks with Russia, says allies should work on its &lsquo;format&rsquo;</a>
Reshetylova pointed out that hundreds of thousands of Ukrainian soldiers remain in their positions and continue to fight. She suggested that the recruitment crisis could be eased if Ukraine&rsquo;s allies committed their own troops. 
&ldquo;As I see it, it is Europe&rsquo;s armies that are absent without leave. They don&rsquo;t understand &ndash; or don&rsquo;t want to understand &ndash; that this is their war too,&rdquo; she said.
(With inputs from agencies)

World: Russia Ukraine war Ukraine is facing a severe shortage of soldiers, particularly in infantry units. Desertion has become a pressing issue, drawing significant attention. 

When Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine three years ago, Ukrainian soldiers were ready to sacrifice their lives for their country. However, after three years of conflict, the situation has changed. Desertion has become a pressing issue, drawing significant attention in Ukraine. Last week, the government launched an investigation into a brigade whose 56 soldiers disappeared during a training session in France, while hundreds of others are also reportedly missing. Also read: 'When Russians hide, North Koreans shoot': How Pyongyang's troops are reshaping Russia-Ukraine war The brigade's commander has been arrested and faces a 10-year prison sentence for failing to carry out his official duties and not reporting unauthorised absences. Ukraine faces severe shortage of soldiers Ukraine is facing a severe shortage of soldiers, particularly in infantry units. The Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine’s parliament, has been debating efforts to increase recruitment. Deserters currently face prison sentences of between 12 and 15 years. However, last summer, the parliament removed criminal penalties for those who voluntarily return to their battalions, restoring their full benefits. 'I’m nobody. Just a number' A soldier who fought in the village of Tonenke near Avdiivka in 2023 described his experience to The Guardian: “When I arrived I was super-motivated. If necessary, I would give my life.” Over time, though, his enthusiasm faded. “The Russians would smash our positions to the ground,” he said. Also read: 'Not Putin’s or Modi’s puppet’: Trump's US top spy pick Tulsi Gabbard defends loyalty at confirmation hearing According to him, senior Ukrainian commanders issued unrealistic orders. While defending a destroyed building, a falling panel struck his shoulder. “I realised I’m nobody. Just a number,” he told The Guardian. In May of that year, he left his post to seek medical treatment and did not return. His commander listed him as AWOL. The soldier claimed he attempted to rejoin his brigade in August 2023 but was told he was no longer wanted. He is among thousands of Ukrainian soldiers who have left their units. While the exact number remains classified, officials confirmed to The Guardian that it is substantial. “Everybody is tired. The mood has changed. People used to hug soldiers in the streets. Now they worry about being conscripted,” he said. Also read: Putin says Russia ready for peace talks but rules out speaking directly with 'illegitimate' Zelensky “One guy lost an arm. Another a leg. Some had bullet wounds. Nobody is completely OK. Even so, we managed to achieve some tasks,” he added. 'I decided to go where nobody can find me' Another deserter, who had participated in Ukrainian offensives in the Mykolaiv and Kherson regions, shared his perspective with The Guardian: “I reached boiling point. So I decided to go where nobody can find me.” Since then, he has been in hiding. “We will see what happens. Maybe I get caught and sent to the frontline,” he said. However, he said that he would fight again if Russian forces entered his town or if the Ukrainian military became a fully reformed NATO-style force with better leadership. 'Problem is big' Olha Reshetylova, Ukraine’s commissioner for protecting service members’ rights, recognised the gravity of the situation. She told The Guardian, “Let’s be honest. The problem is big. It’s natural in a situation where you’ve had three years of major war. People are exhausted. They want to see their families. Their children are growing up without them. Relationships get broken. Wives and husbands can’t wait for ever. They feel alone.” “It’s a complex and complicated problem. We can’t solve this with criminal punishment. If it comes to a choice between being killed and going to prison, of course at that moment you will go with the second option,” she said. Also read: Zelensky hints at possibility of peace talks with Russia, says allies should work on its ‘format’ Reshetylova pointed out that hundreds of thousands of Ukrainian soldiers remain in their positions and continue to fight. She suggested that the recruitment crisis could be eased if Ukraine’s allies committed their own troops. “As I see it, it is Europe’s armies that are absent without leave. They don’t understand – or don’t want to understand – that this is their war too,” she said. (With inputs from agencies)

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