Surge in Attempted Illegal Border Crossings
Border guards have recorded a sharp increase in attempts to illegally cross the Dniester River. Andriy Demchenko, spokesperson for the State Border Guard Service, told Ukrinform that violators are using wetsuits and water scooters to facilitate these efforts. According to Demchenko, a water scooter is a device that tows a person, helping them swim faster. Offenders hold onto the scooter, dive underwater, and try to slip past border patrols.
In addition to the Dniester, violators continue to target the Tysa River. Recently, the Dniester has seen growing demand from those seeking to cross the border illegally. In response, border guards have tightened control measures on waterways.
Encounter with Wolves
In one incident, a man planning to illegally cross into Moldova called border guards after encountering wolves. He climbed a tree to save his life and began pleading for help. Andriy Demchenko recounted:
“He met wolves, and to protect himself, climbed a tree. Realizing the risk to his life, he called the State Border Guard Service hotline and asked for help. He confessed that he planned to cross the border illegally but ran into wolves.” – Andriy Demchenko
The border guards helped the man down from the tree, but he was held accountable for attempting an illegal border crossing. This incident highlights the growing problem of illegal crossings, which Demchenko says requires ongoing attention and control.
The rise in illegal crossing attempts on the Dniester River points to a shift in routes and tactics used by violators. The use of water scooters and wetsuits suggests offenders are adapting to border security measures. Authorities must respond to these changes to improve waterway control and prevent illegal crossings, as incidents like the man and the wolves threaten not only legality but also people's safety.
The evolving tactics of individuals attempting illegal border crossings are evident, as many are now favoring the Dniester over the Tysa River. This shift is attributed to the increased use of underwater scooters, which enhance their chances of evading detection. For a deeper understanding of this trend and its implications, you can read more about how draft dodgers are changing their routes in our detailed report.