Ukrainian Draft Evaders Seek Refuge in Romania

As Ukraine continues to grapple with a manpower crisis due to the ongoing war with Russia, many Ukrainian men are attempting to evade military conscription by illegally crossing into neighboring Romania. Viktor Pinkhasov, a 34-year-old taxi driver from Kyiv, recently completed a five-day trek across the Carpathian Mountains to escape the conflict. He is among over 30,000 Ukrainian men who have made similar crossings since the war escalated in 2022. The Ukrainian government has implemented martial law, prohibiting men aged 23 to 60 from leaving the country, leading to a surge in draft evasion attempts.

CNN

The journey to safety is fraught with peril. At least 29 men have died attempting to cross the treacherous terrain or by drowning in the Tisa River, which separates parts of Ukraine from Romania. Dima, a construction worker who lost his toes to frostbite during a failed crossing, recounted the harrowing experience of navigating the mountains in subzero temperatures. He described the moment when a fellow traveler froze to death, highlighting the extreme risks faced by those fleeing the draft.

CNN

Dan Benga, head of the Salvamont Maramures rescue service, has been instrumental in saving those who find themselves in distress during these crossings. His team has rescued 377 Ukrainian men in less than four years, emphasizing the empathy required in their dangerous work. Benga noted, “They would rather die on the mountains trying to escape than in the war,” reflecting the desperate mindset of many draft evaders.

CNN

For those who can afford it, hiring smugglers has become a viable option. Smugglers like "Artem," who claims to facilitate crossings for $14,000, openly advertise their services on social media. They often rely on bribing Ukrainian border guards to ensure safe passage. Reports indicate that smugglers guide individuals to the border, where they must navigate concertina wire before reaching safety in Romania.

CNN

Despite Ukraine's State Border Service maintaining a zero-tolerance policy towards corruption, allegations of bribery persist. Spokesperson Andriy Demchenko stated that the service is actively working to expose illegal activities and holds accountable those found guilty of such offenses.

CNN

The decision to evade military service is viewed negatively within Ukraine, where fighting against Russia is seen as a patriotic duty. However, many draft evaders, like Pinkhasov, express a desire for personal freedom and safety over the risks of combat. Pinkhasov, who has since reunited with his daughter in Switzerland, articulated a sentiment shared by many: “Nobody wants peace. Not Putin, not Zelensky, not Trump.”

CNN

As the conflict continues, the plight of Ukrainian draft evaders raises questions about the human cost of war and the lengths individuals will go to secure their safety. The ongoing situation reflects a complex interplay of desperation, survival, and the harsh realities of military conscription in a time of conflict.

CNN