In the queue of about 130 people, only 20 are male. Men aged 18-60 are not allowed to leave Ukraine unless they qualify for an exemption. Four of those waiting are young lads who look close to turning 18. To avoid the risk of mobilisation, they must leave before then. Of course, some men find ways to get out anyway, legally or illegally. On August 11th President Volodymyr Zelensky announced he was sacking the heads of the country’s regional military recruitment centres, where officials were alleged to be selling travel permits for up to $10,000. “Bribery during war is treason,” Mr Zelensky railed.

In the initial period after the invasion most men trying to get across were driven by fear, says Colonel Trachuk. Now she reckons half are looking for work. But those trying to escape military service must live at risk of being apprehended by recruitment officers and press-ganged. At the beginning of the invasion Ivan, a 42-year-old musician in Uzhhorod, contemplated enlisting, but changed his mind when he saw coffins arriving. Now, he says, he is in constant fear of being called up: “I feel like I am hanging in the air.”

  • slice1
    link
    fedilink
    arrow-up
    3
    arrow-down
    2
    ·
    1 year ago

    Go fight in the military or go die in a war torn (exploited) country - sounds familiar?

      • slice1
        link
        fedilink
        arrow-up
        2
        arrow-down
        1
        ·
        1 year ago

        " If you disagree you’re free to go live in Somalia. " yes, whoever made this statement seems to know what they are talking about…

      • slice1
        link
        fedilink
        arrow-up
        1
        arrow-down
        1
        ·
        1 year ago

        Hey are you still here… You are behind commenting schedule (NAFO called…). It has been more than 12 min after your last comment. You are below your own average (assuming you sleep/are inactive for 8 hours). Get of the web. Touch grass!