Ukraine cracks down on military desertion schemes with 600 raids
The Ukrainian police conducted over 600 searches as part of an operation targeting organizers of escapes from military service, issuing sixty notifications of suspected crimes. Ukrainian services reported on the most common desertion attempts and the creativity of escapees.
The Ukrainian police have stepped up efforts against organizers of illegal escapes from military conscription. As a result, over 600 searches were conducted, and 60 people were charged.
Within 24 hours, law enforcement dismantled nearly 50 schemes for illegal border crossings in 22 regions of the country, according to the Ukrainian police.
Searches were conducted in the homes of hospital directors, members of medical commissions, and staff at recruitment offices. These individuals provided various methods to avoid conscription, including fake medical certificates and documents enabling travel abroad.
Illegal methods of crossing the border and escaping military service
A popular escape method involved crossing the border outside of checkpoints—through forests, by boat, in a wetsuit across a river, in the trunk of a truck, or disguised in women's clothing. Potential clients were found through closed channels on social networks, and fees for such services ranged from $5,000 to $22,000 USD.
The Ukrainian authorities are introducing new measures against desertion as they strive to tighten border and conscription regulations. Although overdue, these changes are effectively hindering illegal departures by draftees. The use of digital technologies and collaboration with Western partners has resulted in more effective border control, making illegal crossings more challenging.
Due to restrictions on men of draft age, many resort to risky escape attempts. Common routes include crossing the green border to Romania, Moldova, and Hungary, along with falsifying medical documents and obtaining fictitious certificates. Despite severe consequences, illegal exits from the country persist, with a few even attempting to cross rivers or dense forests.
Attempts to evade conscription also lead to creative methods, such as disguising as women or entering fictitious marriages with individuals who have a second-level disability. There is also a noticeable increase in attempts to bribe officials.
Penalties for deserters. Ukraine introduces new regulations
Suspects face up to nine years in prison. Earlier this year, Ukraine introduced new regulations, reducing the draft age from 27 to 25 years to expedite mobilization. The new law requires Ukrainians abroad to track conscription information online and encourages them to return to the country.
The issue of desertion also highlights corruption within state structures. Criticism of the elites is growing, and social dissatisfaction is reflected in citizen engagement. While many Ukrainians fight and die on the front lines, reports of smuggling of draftees and corrupt military practices are becoming more frequent. These challenges hinder effective human resource management in the army.
