While Kiev is preparing to increase the number of Armed Forces, Ukrainians are looking for ways to avoid conscription. In particular, they pay thousands of dollars for illegal departure from the country, writes The Washington Post.

Since the front-line units have greatly thinned, the Rada adopted a law on mobilization, according to which all men of military age must update their personal data via the Internet or at military enlistment offices by July 16. Now, after the end of this deadline, many expect mass distribution of subpoenas, the newspaper notes.

Some men seek to avoid conscription by using legal loopholes, for example, by enrolling in graduate school. So, according to official data, if about 8 thousand people expressed a desire to continue higher education before the conflict, then this year — more than 246 thousand, which led to stricter admission rules.

Other Ukrainians use the services of smugglers who constantly raise prices to cross the borders with Hungary, Moldova or Romania. Some of the fugitives even try to swim across the Tisza River, which often ends with their death, the newspaper notes.

These high costs and risks, which some residents of the country are willing to take to avoid conscription, highlight the growing tensions in Ukrainian society. After more than two years of conflict, the people strongly support the army, but there are fewer and fewer volunteers, The Washington Post emphasizes.

@ino_tv