Recently they made a law allowing 18 to 22 year old men to leave the country, here in Ukraine.

Disclaimer: I am Danish and moved to Ukraine in 2018, my husband is Ukrainian. I love Ukraine, I am not "trash talking" the whole country, just because I discuss Ukrainian conscription, I talk about the things which affect MY life. I have zero interest in talking about random politics, these personal posts are primarily for my friends.

I read in the news today that no guys in the age group showed on the boarders to leave the country, and that on one boarder, there were 10 vans camped. 😬

I want to believe this isn't a way to kidnap these guys, but the conscription has gone so far that it's possible, and the fact that no one has showed up yet means that they're afraid that it is.

I am thinking the vans might be there in case older guys try to cross the boarder with fabricated certificates, but I can understand the suspicion. I think many people confuse what's done, with what's legal. Many foreigners seem to think that it's legal to kidnap people off the streets just because that's what they do. It isn't legal, men should have a right to refuse the army, and face the consequences of that choice, such as a fine or even jail time. Picking people up in the streets and driving them away is wrong.

Today they are coming to people's apartments, so we closed all our windows even though it's pretty hot. This past year has been the worst, as it has been impossible for men to safely go outside the entire summer. My husband's best friend, his cousin, was recruited this year, and one of his uncles were recently sent to the frontlines.

It is terrible that things have to be this way, but I fear the end of the war is nowhere in sight. I believe it might last another 2 to 3 years. I sometimes get scared that it's gonna be one of those wars which just go on endlessly. 😔

Elisbch · M

imho... the law excusing 18 to 22 year old men. I have to agree with you that it's probably a trap. That's an age group they really need for military. Although I don't live there, people are still people and they still do the same things to get what they want or need. I think they are playing on people's desperation in order to trick them into recruiting more soldiers. It just doesn't make sense.
All you can do is keep doing what you're doing to survive. I think a time will come when you will have more choices.
Stay hidden and stay safe. 🙏🏻❤🫂

Nightwings · 31-35, F

@Elisbch I don't necessarily think it's a trap, to me it's unimaginable that they would actually do such a thing, especially as men under 25 are not conscripted, but it looks bad when the next day, 10 recruitment vans are suddenly camping on the boarder. I guess we'll see what happens, hopefully they are all allowed through.