Ukraine conscription evasion: Men attempt dangerous Danube crossings

Ukrainian men are increasingly attempting to illegally cross the Danube river into Romania to evade military conscription. These attempts often involve using small boats, water scooters, or swimming with fins and neoprene suits.

Border guards report that the crossings are highly dangerous due to strong currents that are often underestimated by those attempting to flee. In one instance in March, a border guard rescued a man who began to drown while another successfully escaped. Most individuals attempting these crossings are men between the ages of 30 and 40.

While exact figures are difficult to determine, Ukrainian research indicated approximately 70,000 illegal border crossings by men aged 18 to 60 by the end of 2025.