20 thousand men fled Ukraine to avoid military service

After Russia started the war against Ukraine, Ukrainian men between the ages of 18 and 60 were banned from leaving the country. But research revealed that 20,000 Ukrainians fled the country to avoid military service. According to the research, Ukrainian men who left the country between February 2022 and August 2023 crossed into neighboring countries illegally.

While the Kiev administration confirmed the arrest of 21,113 men who attempted to escape, it announced that 14,313 people attempted to escape by walking or swimming across the border, and 6,800 people attempted to escape by forging official documents.

Ukraine’s 1,200-kilometre border with Moldova is one of the most used routes for men trying to escape Ukraine. 11,000 Ukrainians cross the border into Moldova illegally. Some of those trying to reach Moldova tried to cross the border on foot, while others tried to swim in the river. According to the report, those who tried to cross the border were not always able to reach the neighboring country. It was determined that there were people who lost their lives among those who attempted to cross into Romania.

On the other hand, most of those who wanted to cross the border from Ukraine also forged documents. Ukrainians communicate via mobile application by issuing fake documents, thus illegally issuing fake documents.