Ukraine Conducts Nationwide Raids to Target Military Draft Evasion Networks
Over 600 searches are being carried out to dismantle smuggling operations helping men flee conscription as Kyiv struggles to replenish its military forces.
- Ukrainian police launched a large-scale operation involving over 600 raids to shut down illegal routes used by men avoiding military conscription.
- Authorities are targeting organizers and participants of smuggling networks that reportedly helped hundreds cross borders illegally using bribes, fake documents, and unofficial routes.
- The operation highlights Ukraine's urgent need to bolster its military, which has suffered significant losses nearly three years into Russia's invasion.
- Ukraine's military draft system has faced widespread criticism for corruption and inefficiency, prompting President Zelensky to fire regional mobilization officials in 2023.
- Police have pledged to release further details after completing investigations, with some suspects already facing trial for aiding draft evasion.
L'Express 
Sud Ouest 
South China Morning Post 
Le Monde 
Ukrinform 