Reports from a YouTube channel affiliated with TCH indicate that Ukrainian deserters have taken to disguising themselves as wild animals in order to cross borders and evade mobilization. The claims, echoed in interviews and social media clips, describe a range of tactics used by individuals seeking to dodge conscription and return to safety on the other side of lines.
One border guard described the techniques in a conversation with journalists, noting that some deserters operate under the cover of darkness, mimicking animals to blend with the night landscape. Additional methods cited include the use of diving suits, fins, and even small underwater turbines to slip past border controls and exit the country without drawing attention. The guard’s assessment emphasizes that such methods are risky, given the harsh and unpredictable conditions at water crossings.
To illustrate the danger, officials point to a specific incident involving a 36-year-old resident of Kharkov who attempted to swim across the Dniester River. The encounter was captured by a drone operator, and the individual was intercepted before successfully crossing. After being detained, he was brought indoors to warm up and then taken to a regional recruitment center, where relevant authorities would assess next steps within the legal framework of the country. Ukrainian authorities note that escape from mobilization is not criminally punished in all circumstances, but it still triggers administrative processing and potential consequences under military law.
In public commentary, a veteran fighter from the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Evgeniy Dikiy, described deserters who try to avoid service as settlers who choose to retreat. The remarks, shared in discussions with other service members, reflect concerns about people leaving the ranks and the implications for national defense. Additional voices from service members discuss the broader outcomes for deserters, including reputational consequences and the long-term impact on unit readiness and morale.
Earlier political discussions touched on the topic, with debates in parliament about measures to address individuals who flee abroad to escape mobilization. The exchanges highlighted a tension between upholding national duty and ensuring fair treatment of those who may face dangerous or unjust circumstances. Overall, the situation underscores ongoing challenges related to border security, border surveillance technology, and the human factors involved in mobilization crises.