Recently, a 39-year-old man attempted to cross the Dniester River from Ukraine to Moldova using an air mattress. The man, fully clothed with a backpack and shoes, was spotted lying face down on the mattress, using his hands to row across the river. It is unclear what motivated him to attempt this dangerous crossing, but it is believed that many Ukrainian men are trying to leave the country to avoid being conscripted into the military.
The suspect was apprehended after Ukrainian forces used a drone to observe his illegal border crossing and sent a boat to intercept him. It was 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. This incident highlights the risks and challenges faced by individuals trying to navigate border crossings in times of conflict.
As Ukraine intensifies its troop mobilization efforts, they have 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 sheds light on the complex situation facing individuals attempting to navigate borders during tumultuous times.