Ukrainian Border Service Reports Over 70 Fatalities in Illegal Crossings Since War's Start.

Fatalities During Illegal Border Crossings

According to Novyny.live: Andriy Demchenko, a spokesperson for Ukraine's State Border Guard Service, has disclosed that more than 70 men have died while attempting to illegally cross the state border since Russia's full-scale invasion began in February 2022. These tragic incidents resulted from the actions of citizens trying to evade military conscription. The ongoing war has led to travel restrictions for Ukrainian men of military age, creating a perilous situation for those desperate to leave.

“Since the start of the full-scale invasion and the imposition of travel restrictions for male Ukrainian citizens—beginning in February 2022—we have, unfortunately, recorded over 70 deaths during attempts to illegally cross the state border.”

Andriy Demchenko

The peak of these fatalities occurred in 2023 and 2024, indicating a growing danger for those attempting illegal crossings.

In a related case, residents of the Lviv region organized an illegal border crossing for $13,000, which is now the subject of a criminal investigation; prosecutors have already sent an indictment to court. Additionally, authorities uncovered an incident where a resident of the Vinnytsia region attempted to smuggle a man of conscription age abroad using forged documents. These cases underscore the severity of the situation and the risks associated with illicit attempts to leave the country.

Underlying Social and Economic Strain

The high number of deaths from illegal border crossings points to deep social and economic problems in Ukraine caused by the war. The rising death toll highlights the extreme risks faced by those trying to avoid the draft and signals a need for more effective border control measures.

Simultaneously, the organization of illegal smuggling routes reveals the existence of criminal networks exploiting the vulnerability of citizens during this crisis. This situation necessitates stronger actions to improve security and protect citizens' rights amid the ongoing conflict.