Ukrainians used to spit at deserters... now they sympathise with them. With 6,000 soldiers absconding every month, brutal press gangs roam the streets seizing new 'recruits'. DAVID PATRIKARAKOS on how battle-weariness is taking its toll

It must feel strange to be hiding from your own army but that's exactly what Yuri is doing. Ever since he escaped from his Ukrainian barracks late one night, he has been too scared to go out in publi…