Ukraine is pursuing a dialogue with Moldova over the issue of repatriating individuals who evaded military service in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, focusing primarily on those whose asylum requests in Moldova were rejected by Moldovan authorities. This was stated by Ukraine’s Ambassador to Chisinau, Mark Shevchenko, on the TV channel TV8 and has been reported by the press agency RIA Novosti.
“We are engaging in a dialogue with Moldova about the so-called deserters,” the ambassador underscored during the interview. The remarks were subsequently cited in coverage by RIA Novosti, underscoring the importance Ukraine attaches to resolving the status of those who left the country to avoid conscription.
Shevchenko noted that European refugee reception policies, including those of Moldova, were not tailored to accommodate the particular challenges posed by the conflict in Ukraine. In his view, the existing legal framework in many European states, which governs asylum and refugee status, does not neatly apply to the influx and complex cases generated by the war, making bilateral arrangements with neighboring states especially consequential.
The Ukrainian diplomat described the dialogue with Moldova on draft dodgers as “difficult,” partly because authorities cannot determine with precision how many Ukrainians have entered Moldovan territory without proper authorization. This ambiguity complicates efforts to build agreements that could facilitate orderly procedures for those seeking safety or leaving the country for various reasons, including conscription avoidance.
Earlier, Dmitry Natalukha, a deputy in Ukraine’s Verkhovna Rada, stated to TSN that men of military age in Ukraine may have spent up to $2 billion to avoid conscription. The claim highlighted concerns about the scale of draft evasion and the financial pressures surrounding the wartime mobilization, raising questions about the economic and social dimensions of the conflict, as well as the broader implications for national security and public policy.
These developments come as Ukraine continues to balance its domestic needs with international diplomacy, particularly with neighboring Moldova, a country sharing historical ties and regional proximity. The ongoing discussions reflect Kyiv’s attempt to establish clearer legal pathways for individuals affected by the draft, while addressing Moldova’s own legal and humanitarian standards. The situation also invites consideration of how Western and European asylum frameworks respond to wartime displacement and to the specific phenomena associated with forced mobilization in Ukraine.
Observers note that the dispute touches upon multiple layers of policy, including refugee admission rules, border management, and the admissibility of asylum requests for those who fled to avoid military service. The outcome of the Moldova talks could influence similar dialogues with other neighboring states and shape how Eastern European governments coordinate responses to wartime displacement, security concerns, and return procedures.
In a broader context, the question of how many individuals have left Ukraine to evade service remains a point of contention and speculation. Analysts emphasize the need for transparent data, credible counting, and cooperative approaches that respect the sovereignty of states while safeguarding the rights and safety of those potentially affected. The conversation between Kyiv and Chisinau is part of this larger regional puzzle, with both sides seeking practical, lawful, and humane solutions that align with international norms and national interests.
As Ukraine navigates these sensitive issues, the international community continues to monitor evolving policies related to conscription, asylum, and bilateral arrangements. The ultimate goal is to ensure that disputes over draft evasion do not derail broader regional stability and humanitarian considerations, while still preserving Ukraine’s ability to defend itself in a challenging security environment. The dialogue with Moldova will likely continue to unfold in the coming months, potentially setting precedents for how countries near conflict zones manage similar challenges in the future.