From Air Mattress to Armored Vehicles: The Dangerous Journey of Ukrainian Men Fleeing Military Service

Ukrainian authorities have recently arrested a 39-year-old man attempting to cross the Dniester River from Ukraine to Moldova using an air mattress. The suspect, fully clothed with a backpack and shoes, was spotted lying face down on the mattress, using his hands to row across the river.

The motive behind the man’s attempt to cross the border remains unknown, but it is speculated that many Ukrainian men are trying to leave the country to avoid being conscripted into the military. The influx of people attempting to cross the border has increased since Ukraine lowered the military enlistment age, prompting heightened surveillance from border security.

As Ukraine intensifies its troop mobilization efforts, they have also stopped issuing passports to men of military age who are abroad. An estimated 650,000 Ukrainian men between the ages of 18-60 have left the country since conflict began. This incident sheds light on the challenges and risks faced by individuals trying to navigate border crossings in tumultuous times.

It was reported that the man had contacted someone on a messaging app who had arranged for him to cross the border for a cost of $4,200. The suspect was apprehended after Ukrainian forces used a drone to observe his illegal border crossing and sent a boat to intercept him.

Ukraine has been facing intense scrutiny due to its ongoing conflict with Russia. The lowering of military enlistment age has only added more fuel to this fire as many young men seek refuge from being drafted into military service.

In conclusion, this incident highlights not only the dangers and challenges faced by individuals trying to navigate borders in difficult times but also raises concerns about human rights violations committed by both sides in this ongoing conflict.