Why Ukrainian Guards Are Patrolling This River for Fellow Ukrainians

The Battle Against Draft Evasion

Ukraine's ongoing conflict has led to a high demand for troops, but many eligible men are attempting to evade the draft, resulting in a complex situation for border guards. Draft-age men have been banned from leaving the country since the full-scale invasion in February 2022, yet tens of thousands have fled, often resorting to dangerous attempts to cross the Tisa River into Romania. Border guards are equipped with advanced technology, including drones and thermal cameras, to monitor and patrol the area, as they aim to prevent these crossings and maintain troop levels. Those caught trying to escape face immediate conscription along with financial penalties, creating a significant psychological impact on the men who feel pressured to remain in the country even if they wish to flee.