The Situation with Mobilization in Ukraine in 2025
In 2025, Ukraine is witnessing a sharp increase in draft evasion attempts among conscription-age men who are trying to illegally cross the border with Belarus. According to border guards, 1424 conscription-age individuals were detained while attempting to leave Ukraine, which is a significant increase compared to previous years. In 2024, only 326 individuals were detained, while in 2023, there were only 4 recorded cases of detention.
The increase in detentions towards Belarus in 2025 amounted to 336% compared to 2024. The Belarusian route has entered the top five for the number of detained military conscripts. Key statistics include:
- Hungary - 1841 individuals
- Slovakia - 2265 individuals
- Moldova - 4937 individuals
- Romania - 10066 individuals
In comparison, only 1 individual was detained at the border with Russia in 2025, and 511 individuals at the border with Poland.
Challenges for the Ukrainian Authorities
Additionally, in Vinnytsia region, border guards rescued a man who was trying to cross to Moldova on an inflatable mattress. In Transcarpathia, a channel for the illegal transportation of conscription-age men abroad was uncovered. These events indicate the serious challenges faced by the Ukrainian authorities in the context of mobilization and border control.
The rising number of detained individuals attempting to evade conscription highlights the increasing social and economic challenges that Ukraine is facing during the war. This situation may indicate the need to rethink the approaches to mobilization and strengthen border controls, as well as the need for providing support and alternatives for those at risk of conscription. Given the current circumstances, it is crucial for state authorities to respond to these challenges effectively and promptly.