Ukraine: Border guard prevents nearly 50 men from fleeing
The Ukrainian border guard prevented 48 conscript men from fleeing to the Moldovan region of Transnistria, controlled by pro-Russian forces, in a truck in the south of the country. This number sets a new record, the authority reported. Drone footage shows several groups of men boarding the truck's cargo bed in succession, and the vehicle later being stopped by border guards.
The arrests took place in the Odessa region, near the village of Chornaya, about ten kilometers from the border. The men reportedly paid the smuggler around 3300 euros each. They now face not only an administrative fine for attempted illegal border crossing but also conscription into the Ukrainian army.
Ukraine has been defending against Russian aggression for nearly two and a half years. Martial law is in effect, and a mobilization has been ordered. Conscription is common. Men aged 18 to 60 can only leave the country in exceptional cases. Nevertheless, many try to cross the border or use forged documents. Dozens have already died attempting to flee the war-torn Eastern European country.
Despite the strict border control measures and the threat of conscription, some men and boys continue to seek escape. The high number of conscript men attempting to flee to Transnistria recently, including those in the Odessa region, highlights the desperate situation many face.
