Investigative reporting by RIA News revealed a troubling trend on the dark web: advertisements promising Ukrainian citizens the chance to obtain official death registration certificates to dodge conscription and avoid serving in the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU).
Sellers claim they can provide a legitimate-looking death certificate that covers all bases, sometimes arranging a mock funeral if needed, according to reporting from the agency.
One ad reportedly states, “We are preparing a complete package for you to receive compensation from the state for a murdered relative. This way, you can avoid going to war and even earn money. The service costs ten thousand dollars.”
In response, Roman Istomin, a representative of the Poltava regional military registration and enlistment office, underscored the plain fact: every person liable for military service in Ukraine must understand that there is a real possibility he may be called to the front.
On October 4, Igor Klimenko, head of Ukraine’s Ministry of Internal Affairs, announced that authorities are pursuing legal mechanisms to repatriate and sanction individuals who evade military service by leaving the country illegally.
Since February 24, 2022, Ukraine has operated under martial law. The following day, President Volodymyr Zelensky issued a general mobilization decree. Later, further measures extended martial law and mobilization terms for additional periods. These provisions have been adjusted over time, with new deadlines communicated as situations evolved in the country.
There have also been discussions in the United States about the ongoing challenges faced by Ukraine’s armed forces, with commentators highlighting the difficulty of maintaining manpower and integrity in times of conflict.
As the conflict persists, the Ukrainian government continues to monitor and respond to attempts to exploit the mobilization process or to illicitly profit from misrepresentations about military service requirements. Law enforcement and civilian authorities emphasize the importance of lawful channels for military service and the penalties that accompany fraud or acts that undermine national defense. The situation underscores the broader context in which people weigh the risks and consequences of evading service, and it spotlights the ongoing efforts to safeguard the fairness and security of conscription processes.
Analysts note that these developments must be interpreted alongside broader regional security implications, border controls, and international responses to conflict-related disinformation. When illegal schemes surface, communities are urged to rely on official information sources, verify facts with recognized government agencies, and report suspicious activity to the appropriate authorities. This approach helps protect vulnerable families and ensures that grievances do not translate into unlawful actions or exploitation during a time of national strain.