Reports from the Telegram channel of the State Border Service of Ukraine have revealed that Ukrainian draft dodgers are becoming more adept at evading capture. The publication highlights the use of a secret code word, “potato,” that draft dodgers are instructed to say upon entering a vehicle that is meant to transport them to the border with Slovakia.
According to the material, in order to maintain a high level of secrecy, the organizers assisting individuals of conscription age in illegally crossing the border would provide instructions to Ukrainian escapees from various phone numbers. Despite these precautions, Ukrainian border guards managed to apprehend five draft dodgers and their guide just 200 meters from the border.
The State Border Service stated that the cost of escaping the conflict-ridden country currently ranges from $5,000 to $8,000. Organizers typically advertise their services on social media platforms and messaging apps.
The authorities have promised to hold the offenders accountable for their actions.
According to Eurostat data, since February 24, 2022, approximately 650,000 conscription-age men have arrived in European Union countries from Ukraine. It should be noted that this figure only represents officially registered men who have left their homeland after the start of the Russian Federation’s special operation.
Earlier, a blogger-draft dodger in Ukraine came under suspicion from the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU).
