This article examines the criminal classification of desertion under Article 338 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation in the context of a special military operation. It discusses the diffi-culties of distinguishing desertion from unauthorized abandonment of a unit or place of service (Article 337 of the Criminal Code), the specifics of proving the subjective aspect of the crime, and the influence of traumatic factors. Particular attention is paid to the significance of military medical and psychological examinations.