Ukrainian men evade war by crossing into nearby Moldova

Since the beginning of the war, about 23,500 Ukrainians have illegally crossed into Moldova, according to Radio Free Europe's local section, citing border guard data. Those detained are not penalized, and many continue further into Europe. "I am fleeing from death," emphasizes Vasyl, who is heading to Poland.

From February 24, 2022, to May 31, 2024, about 23,500 Ukrainians have illegally entered Moldova. These individuals are men of conscription age, as this group faces restrictions at the Moldovan border.

According to statistics from local authorities cited by Radio Europa Libera Moldova, about 15,000 Ukrainians aged 18-59 illegally entered Moldova from the outbreak of the war to the end of last year. After Ukrainian authorities tightened mobilization conditions in April, the number of escapees rose.

Radio Europa Libera Moldova notes that fleeing mobilization, which is punishable in Ukraine, is not treated as a crime in Moldova. According to Moldovan border guard chief Ruslan Galusca, Ukrainians who have been detained immediately after illegally crossing the border or who officially sought international protection at a checkpoint or the migration inspectorate "have not been penalized for illegal entry."

Formally, Moldova offers four types of legal protection for foreigners: refugee status, humanitarian protection, temporary protection (introduced last year), and political asylum.

In the first 14 months since temporary protection was introduced, nearly 12,800 Ukrainians have exercised this right.

A portal reports that many Ukrainians crossing the Moldovan border illegally do so with the intention of continuing their journey to European Union countries, citing Vasyl's story.

Vasyl, a Ukrainian who arrived in Moldova in April and is heading to Poland, admitted he paid $10,000 (almost 40,000 złotys) to smugglers who transported him across the Dniester on a motorboat.

"I am not fleeing because I do not love Ukraine. I am fleeing from death. It hurts me to see people dying in my country, and I do not want to be next," he said.