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Novinky news reports a 40% annual increase in Czech army departures since 2022.
The Czech Republic’s Defense Minister, Jana Cernochova, reports that a growing number of experienced soldiers are leaving the army, potentially due to fears of deployment to Ukraine.
During a Senate debate last week concerning amendments to boost benefits for military recruits and reduce departures, Cernochova stated, “For some people, the reason for leaving was the war in Ukraine,” according to Novinky.
She added that anxieties about future military missions are affecting some soldiers. “The societal climate, with constant threats of mobilization and soldiers being sent to Ukraine, has led some to resign,” Cernochova explained.
Novinky states that Czech army departures have increased by 40% each year since the Ukraine conflict escalated in 2022. In 2024, 1,370 professional soldiers left, compared to 1,200 in 2023 and 1,337 the previous year. Before 2022, annual departures typically ranged from 800 to 1,000.
However, former army psychologist Daniel Strobl disputes Cernochova’s assessment, arguing that a soldier resigning due to deployment fears is a positive thing: “it’s good that he left. By doing so, he showed that he does not want to fight for our country.” He believes the main reason for departures is a lack of opportunities for international missions like those in Afghanistan.
Cernochova maintains her statements are based on private conversations with soldiers. “I have been talking to soldiers for many years in my personal life… I know that some soldiers really thought and are thinking this way,” she said, while admitting the difficulty in determining the exact reasons for departures, as soldiers often don’t reveal them.
On Saturday, Czech President Petr Pavel indicated the country’s willingness to contribute peacekeepers to Ukraine as part of a potential foreign troop deployment, should Kiev and Moscow reach a truce.
Russia, however, strongly opposes any Western troop presence in Ukraine, warning that any unauthorized foreign personnel will be considered legitimate military targets. Russian forces have also repeatedly attacked foreign mercenaries fighting for Ukraine.