Russians boosting effort to catch own deserters in Luhansk region

In the occupied part of eastern Ukraine’s Luhansk region, the Russian invaders are setting up multiple roadblocks across motorways to catch deserters trying to make their way out of the warzone.

That’s according to Serhiy Haidai, head of the Luhansk Regional Military Administration, who spoke at the national telethon, Ukrinform reports.

"There is no accord and coordinated work between Kadyrov’s units, the ‘LPR-DPR’ forces, or newly mobilized troops. But this doesn't work in a totally destructive way because those soldiers are afraid as they realize that there are the so-called blocking units behind them so they can’t just run. Now, the Russians have set up a huge number of roadblocks throughout Luhansk region. Most of them are aimed not at ensuring security, but at catching deserters escaping from the front line," Haidai noted.

According to the administration chief, local residents are unwilling to fight, trying to dodge draft by any means. Currently, not everyone has the financial opportunity to bribe someone and leave for Russia. Some hide in their attics and basements for six months to avoid deployment. There are few men left in the temporarily occupied territories.

Haidai added that currently the Armed Forces of Ukraine have the advantage in the Svatovo-Kreminna direction, while Russian troops are on the defensive. In the direction of Bilohorivka, the enemy is continuously shelling the area, while failing to advance despite persistent attempts.