Attempts to cross Ukraine’s border illegally have decreased by 45% since last summer. This was announced by Andrii Demchenko, a spokesperson for the State Border Guard.
Demchenko said that men of conscription age are not allowed to leave the country during martial law, except in certain cases. Despite this, many try to reach neighboring countries to avoid mobilization.
The majority of attempts to cross the border illegally have occurred outside of checkpoints on the border with Romania and Moldova. Fewer cases were recorded on the border with Slovakia and Hungary. The lowest number of attempts was seen on the border with Poland.
Some people try to swim across the Tysa River, which runs along the borders with Hungary, Romania, and Moldova, in an attempt to reach neighboring countries.
Demchenko said that most attempts to cross the border through checkpoints occur on the border with Poland due to high passenger traffic. He also stated that people turn to criminal groups for help planning their escape routes, often paying them for assistance.
Since Russia’s full-scale war began, over 760 groups have been uncovered that were helping people attempt to flee Ukraine. In January this year alone, around 40 such groups were discovered.
Some countries, like Lithuania and Poland, have expressed support for helping Ukraine bring back its military-aged men living abroad, but not through forced deportation.
