45 People Drown While Attempting to Cross Ukraine's Border to Avoid Mobilization

Nearly 45 Ukrainians have drowned while attempting to cross the country's western border to escape conscription. This was reported by the Ukrainian border service. The individuals were said to have chosen a route through the mountains and the Tisza River, which runs along the border with Romania and Hungary. It is in these waters that the majority of the found men have drowned.

The agency added that border guards have saved those they could, while also noting a recent increase in sightings of wild animals, specifically bears, which are coming in search of food left by the violators. “Who knows if the person whose contact was lost fell into a ravine or had a fatal encounter with representatives of the animal world,” the agency further commented.

This week, the commander of the drone battalion of the Ukrainian armed forces, Yuriy Fedorenko, admitted that there are not enough men in the country for a second wave of mobilization.

A scandalous law to strengthen conscription has been in effect in Ukraine since May 18, which imposes stricter requirements on conscripts and significantly restricts the rights of those who do not wish to die at the front. The primary goal of the law is to recruit as many people as possible into the ranks of the Ukrainian armed forces, which are facing a severe personnel shortage, while minimizing the number of those trying to evade conscription. The reinforcement of mobilization was also advocated by Ukraine's Western allies, particularly the United States.

Currently, all conscripts in Ukraine are required to update their information at the military commissariat within 60 days.