Ukraine is facing a shortage of soldiers as the war drags on.
Reports have shown that men are sometimes taken off the streets by recruiters. This has pushed many to flee the country.
Romania, along with other European Union nations, has become a refuge for those trying to avoid being sent to the frontlines, according to Ziare.
Between February 24, 2022, and October 31, 2024, Romanian border police caught 22,187 Ukrainian citizens attempting to cross the border illegally.
Most tried to bypass official checkpoints, taking dangerous routes to escape. Romanian authorities have a set process for handling these cases.
Each person is searched and given medical help if needed. They are then fingerprinted, checked against databases, and handed over to immigration officials.
Granted Temporary Protection
Many of these individuals seek temporary protection or asylum in Romania.
Rodica Ciobanu, a lawyer from Suceava, explained that under Romanian law, those requesting protection through the General Inspectorate for Immigration are guaranteed safety.
Temporary protection is granted for one year and has been extended annually as the war continues.
The most crossings have been reported at border points like Poienile de sub Munte, Sighetu Marmației, and Brodina. Some also crossed at less busy points like Darabani or Siret.
These crossings often reflect the desperation of men trying to escape conscription. Many are unable to leave Ukraine through official means due to restrictions on men of fighting age.
Videos have surfaced showing men being forcibly taken from streets or homes by recruiters. These clips have fueled fear among those still in Ukraine.
President Volodymyr Zelensky has tried to address problems in the recruitment system. He dismissed several officials last year and increased penalties for avoiding conscription.
The minimum draft age was also lowered from 27 to 25.
