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Decrease in Illegal Border Crossings in Ukraine Since July 2024
Since July 2024, the State Border Guard of Ukraine has observed a significant drop in attempts to illegally cross the country’s borders. Speaking on national television on February 10, spokesperson Andrii Demchenko revealed that the number of such attempts decreased by 45% when comparing January 2024 to July 2024. This downward trend suggests that the ongoing martial law and strict border controls have had a notable impact on reducing illegal crossings. Despite this positive development, Demchenko emphasized that illegal crossing attempts still occur daily, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by Ukrainian authorities.
Restrictions on Men of Conscription Age and Daily Attempts to Flee
One of the primary reasons for the attempts to illegally cross the border is the prohibition on men of conscription age leaving Ukraine during martial law, except for a few specific exceptions. Many of these individuals are desperate to avoid mobilization and have resorted to dangerous and illegal methods to flee the country. The majority of these illegal crossing attempts occur outside official checkpoints, particularly on Ukraine’s borders with Romania and Moldova. Fewer cases have been recorded on the borders with Slovakia and Hungary, while the lowest number of such attempts has been reported on the border with Poland.
Some individuals have even gone to extreme lengths to escape, such as attempting to swim across the Tysa River, which forms part of Ukraine’s borders with Hungary, Romania, and Moldova. These dangerous endeavors underscore the desperation and fear driving many men to risk their lives in hopes of avoiding military service.
Illegal Crossings Through Checkpoints and Organized Crime Involvement
While many illegal crossings occur outside official checkpoints, a significant number still take place at these controlled points. The border with Poland, which experiences the highest passenger traffic, has seen the majority of these checkpoint-related incidents. Demchenko highlighted that individuals often turn to criminal groups to facilitate their escape, paying these organizations to plan and execute their illegal routes. Since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, Ukrainian authorities have uncovered more than 760 such criminal groups, with approximately 40 being exposed in January 2025 alone. These groups often employ sophisticated methods, including forging health documents and falsifying electronic records, to evade detection.
International Response and Police Crackdowns on Illegal Crossings
The issue of illegal border crossings has also drawn attention from neighboring countries. Some nations, such as Lithuania and Poland, have expressed support for Ukraine’s efforts to bring back military-aged men who have fled abroad. However, these countries have firmly rejected the idea of forcibly deporting these individuals, citing legal and ethical concerns. Meanwhile, Ukrainian law enforcement agencies have stepped up their efforts to combat illegal crossings. In a recent crackdown, police dismantled almost 50 illegal border crossing schemes, charging 60 suspects in connection with offenses such as crossing borders outside checkpoints, forging health documents, and manipulating electronic information systems. These operations demonstrate Ukraine’s commitment to maintaining border security and enforcing martial law restrictions.
The Broader Implications of Illegal Crossings
The ongoing issue of illegal border crossings has far-reaching implications for Ukraine and its people. While the decrease in such attempts since July 2024 is a positive sign, the daily occurrences of illegal crossings highlight the persistent challenges posed by the war and martial law. The involvement of organized crime groups adds another layer of complexity, as these networks not only facilitate illegal crossings but also contribute to broader security concerns. At the same time, the international community’s response underscores the delicate balance between supporting Ukraine’s efforts to maintain its defense capabilities and respecting the rights and dignity of individuals fleeing the conflict.
A Glimpse into the Future: Sicherheit and Human Resilience
As the situation continues to evolve, it is clear that the issue of illegal border crossings will remain a critical concern for Ukraine and its neighbors. The resilience and determination of those attempting to flee, despite the dangers and legal consequences, serve as a stark reminder of the human cost of the ongoing conflict. At the same time, the efforts of law enforcement and border control agencies to combat illegal crossings demonstrate a commitment to maintaining order and security. As the international community continues to grapple with the complexities of this issue, one thing is certain: the story of Ukraine’s borders is one of both challenge and resilience, as the nation and its people navigate the complexities of war, security, and human survival.
