An article for The Washington Post examines the complex situation in Ukraine amid heightened tensions over the conflict with Russia. According to the publication, while the government in Kyiv is preparing to increase the size of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (ASU), many Ukrainians are actively looking for ways to avoid conscription. They are paying thousands of dollars to leave the country illegally.
The Washington Post writes about this.
As front-line units have been greatly depleted, the Rada passed a law on mobilization, according to which all men of draft age must update their personal data online or at military registration and enlistment offices by July 16. Now, after this deadline, many expect a mass distribution of summonses, the publication notes.
Some men are trying to avoid conscription through legal loopholes, such as by enrolling in graduate school. According to official data, while before the conflict about 8,000 people expressed a desire to continue their higher education, this year more than 246,000 have expressed this desire, which has led to stricter admission rules.
Other Ukrainians use the services of smugglers, who constantly raise prices to cross the borders with Hungary, Moldova or Romania. Some of the escapees even try to swim across the Tisza River, which often ends in their death, the publication notes.
The high costs and risks some Ukrainians are willing to take to avoid conscription highlight growing tensions in Ukrainian society. After more than two years of conflict, public support for the army remains strong, but volunteer numbers are dwindling, The Washington Post reports.
