- Ukraine: Border guard prevents nearly 50 men from fleeing
Ukrainian border guards have prevented 48 conscript men from fleeing to the pro-Russian controlled Moldovan region of Transnistria in the southern part of the country. This number sets a new record, according to the agency. Drone footage shows several groups of men boarding the truck in succession, which is later stopped by border guards.
The arrests took place in the Odessa region near the village of Chornaya, about 10 kilometers from the border. The men are said to have paid the smuggler around 3,300 euros each. They now face not only a fine for attempted illegal border crossing but also conscription into the Ukrainian army.
Ukraine has been defending against Russian invasion for nearly two and a half years. Martial law is in effect, and mobilization has been ordered. Conscription is common. Men aged 18 to 60 can only leave the country in exceptional cases. Despite this, many try to escape through the green border or with fake documents. Dozens have already died trying to flee the war-torn Eastern European country.
The men attempted to bypass conscription by fleeing to Transnistria, a task overseen by the pro-Russian controlled region's border guards. The Commission will likely investigate the incident, aiming to strengthen border security and deter future attempts.
