Ukraine estimates 1.5 million men are evading military service

The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense estimates that over 1.5 million men of military age are either hiding or have deserted from their military service.

Fredrik Wesslau, an expert from the European Council on Foreign Relations, noted the scale of this figure is significant, though he expressed uncertainty regarding how the Ministry obtained these specific statistics.

Reports include accounts from individuals who have gone underground following receiving mobilization orders, with some stating they only leave their hiding places a few times a week to avoid encountering authorities and checking their documentation.