In recent weeks, Ukrainian border guards made a startling discovery when they caught a 39-year-old man attempting to cross the Dniester River from Ukraine to Moldova using an air mattress. The man was fully clothed, with a backpack and shoes on, and was spotted lying face down on the mattress, using his hands to row across the river.
The suspect was apprehended after Ukrainian forces used a drone to observe his illegal border crossing and sent a boat to intercept him. It is reported that the man had contacted someone on a messaging app who had arranged for him to cross the border for a cost of $4,200. However, what motivated the man to attempt to cross the border remains unknown.
One theory is that many Ukrainian men are trying to leave the country in order to avoid being conscripted into the military. This has become more common since Ukraine lowered its enlistment age earlier this year, prompting heightened surveillance from its border security forces.
As Ukraine continues to mobilize its troops in preparation for potential conflict with Russia, it has also stopped issuing passports to men of military age who are abroad. An estimated 650,000 Ukrainian men between the ages of 18-60 have left the country since conflict began. This incident serves as a reminder of how difficult and dangerous it can be for individuals trying to navigate border crossings during turbulent times.
Overall, this incident highlights the challenges faced by those attempting to leave Ukraine and enter other countries during uncertain times. As tensions continue between Russia and Ukraine, it is likely that we will see more instances of illegal border crossings in the future.