# Ukraine military conscription evasion

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/ukraine-military-conscription-evasion
> Updated: 2026-09-06T04:49:26.000Z. Sources: 2. Developments: 2.

The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense has estimated that more than 1.5 million men of military age are either hiding or have deserted from military service. Experts have noted the significant scale of this figure, though the exact methodology for obtaining these statistics remains unclear. Reports indicate that some individuals go underground following mobilization orders, emerging only occasionally to avoid authorities.

Efforts to evade conscription have expanded to include dangerous illegal border crossings. Men, primarily aged between 30 and 40, have been attempting to cross the Danube river into Romania using small boats, water scooters, or swimming gear. Border guards have reported that these attempts are highly hazardous due to strong currents. While specific current figures are difficult to verify, research indicated approximately 70,000 illegal border crossings by men aged 18 to 60 by the end of 2025.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-06: Ukraine conscription evasion: Men attempt dangerous Danube crossings

Ukrainian men are using dangerous methods, including swimming across the Danube, to illegally enter Romania and evade military conscription.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ukraine-conscription-evasion-men-attempt-dangerous-danube-crossings

### 2026-08-10: Ukraine estimates 1.5 million men are evading military service

The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense estimates that more than 1.5 million men of military age are hiding or evading military service.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ukraine-estimates-15-million-men-are-evading-military-service

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Cite as: Ukraine military conscription evasion. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/ukraine-military-conscription-evasion