Donetsk, Jan 10 – DAN. Four Ukrainian servicemen deserted the army in the past 24 hours, DPR Operations Command deputy commander Eduard Basurin told on Tuesday.
“Four servicemen from 501st battalion of 36th separate marine brigade deserted taking along assault rifles and ammunition load,” Basurin said.
On Monday, Basurin said one Ukrainian serviceman had deserted from 1st battalion of 72nd separate motorized infantry brigade and one from 2nd battalion of 30th separate motorized brigade. They were armed as well.
In late December, DPR Operations Command reported an increase in Ukrainian army desertions following Kiev’s failed operations to take DPR territory in Yasinovataya and Debaltsevo areas. *jk