Ex-AWOL soldiers often super-effective, says Da Vince Wolves commander
Ukrainian soldier in Zaporizhzhya Oblast, November 2025 (Photo: Andriy Andriyenko/Press Service of the 65th Separate Mechanized Brigade of the UAF/Handout via REUTERS)
The ability to choose a unit, military specialization and increased payments could help attract Ukrainians to the army — as shown by troops returning from AWOL to new units, Da Vinci Wolves battalion commander Serhiy Filimonov said in a big Radio NV interview on Nov. 7, commenting on Ukraine's military conscription challenges.
"I believe people should first be motivated by choosing their unit and commander. They can pick a profession in the military. That is how recruitment and enlistment are being built now," said Filimonov.
According to him, "the lion's share of those carrying out combat tasks are infantry who end up in units from AWOL."
"These are people leaving one unit for another under different leadership and performing tasks, often very super-efficiently," the Da Vinci Wolves commander added.
That is why, in his view, solving the manpower shortage in Ukraine's Defense Forces requires efforts to make Ukrainians want to join voluntarily.
"Now, as far as I know, the president [Volodymyr Zelenskyy] is preparing a bill on extra rewards for signing contracts," Filimonov stated.
“It also mentions specific service terms, which I honestly do not believe much. I believe those who sign contracts will fight until victory. But overall, I see a trend toward discussing higher military pay, which I think will also influence people joining.”
He explained his skepticism about fixed service terms by noting the state invests heavily in specific fighters and specialists.
"So I believe, with the manpower and staffing shortages in the army now, it is impossible for someone to let a specialist go home," the Da Vinci Wolves commander said.
"My contract, by the way, was signed in 2022 until demobilization, but all the guys who signed for two or three years realized no one would discharge them. They will serve until victory."
On Oct. 3, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal announced new military contracts lasting one to five years. They are planned to include higher monthly payments, signing bonuses and an expanded social package. Fighters signing for 2–5 years will get a one-year mobilization deferral after their term ends.
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