Ukrainian border guards caught dozens of men trying to sneak out of the country following a military conscription drive to fight Russian troops. Kyiv introduced divisive legislation to replenish army ranks after costly years of war and Russian gains.
Ukrainian men aged 18-60 have been barred from leaving the country since the Russian invasion. 41 Ukrainian citizens from 12 regions were discovered trying to flee in a grain truck.
Reports were drawn up against violators, and two defendants involved in organizing the smuggling face criminal liability. In February, 38 Ukrainian men were stopped from illegally crossing into Hungary.
Efforts to bolster the army have instilled fear, with social media flooded with footage of Ukrainian men being forcefully recruited. Resentment over the recruitment drive has been fueled by reports of bribery to avoid being drafted.
Since the war began in February 2022, border authorities have found 35 bodies of people who died trying to cross the Tysa river on Ukraine’s borders with Hungary and Romania.
