The Struggle to Avoid the Draft in Ukraine
Three years into Russia’s full-scale invasion, Ukraine’s war-weary population continues to face an uncertain future. With Kyiv desperately seeking manpower and violent press-gangers roaming the streets, many fighting-age men are taking extreme measures to avoid conscription. From faking medical conditions to marrying disabled women, these individuals are exploring every possible avenue to escape military service.
The Matchmaker and Fraudster
Levko, a 41-year-old matchmaker, has found a way to avoid the draft by acquiring a disability ID card. He claims to have purchased it from a second-hand market for a few hundred hryvnia. Although the card does not belong to him, Levko believes that by dyeing his hair regularly, he can pass as the original owner. This allows him to claim a medical exemption from military service.
However, Levko lives in constant fear of being discovered. If his fraud is uncovered, he could be sent to war and face hefty fines. His motivation to avoid the draft stems from stories of friends who have died in military training, including one with epilepsy who was left without proper care. Levko also expresses disdain for the Ukrainian government, claiming that he would only join the military if women were required to serve.
The ‘Carer’
Artem, a 48-year-old man from Kyiv, avoids conscription by caring for his elderly mother. As a registered carer, he is exempt from military service. However, when his brother was responsible for caring for their mother, Artem was at risk of being drafted. To avoid this, the family devised a plan where Artem’s brother took their mother to Poland, and upon her return, Artem registered himself as her carer.
Despite his legal exemption, Artem was later arrested by conscription officers and sent to military training. His associates are planning to challenge this decision, but his current whereabouts remain unknown. Artem admits that many men go to great lengths to obtain a carer permit, suggesting that finding a disabled woman or someone with psychological issues can be an effective strategy.
The Crypto King Who Bribed a Doctor
Bohdan, a 29-year-old cryptocurrency trader, uses his earnings to bribe doctors for medical exemptions. In a country where the average monthly salary is around £423, this option is not accessible to most men. Bohdan estimates that bribing a doctor can cost between $5,000 and $15,000, depending on the doctor involved.
Doctors in Ukraine are not exempt from conscription but can be persuaded to provide medical exemptions in exchange for payment. Bohdan believes that this practice is widespread, as doctors seek ways to avoid the draft while earning extra income.
The Journalist Turned Teacher
Andriy, a 38-year-old former journalist, now works as a mathematics teacher. Teachers are partially exempt from the draft, making this a popular choice for men looking to avoid conscription. Andriy’s decision to switch careers was influenced by a violent encounter with a conscription officer, who smashed his phone and called him rude names.
Although he feels guilty about not serving, Andriy supports Ukraine’s efforts by providing humanitarian aid to newly liberated territories. He also records instances of police misconduct during document checks, highlighting the challenges faced by those avoiding the draft.
The ‘Deserter’
Ihor, a 35-year-old man, chose to flee Ukraine altogether to avoid conscription. He crossed the Dniester River in a rubber dinghy and eventually reached Ireland, where he claims to live off state benefits. However, the Irish government has begun closing some housing facilities, raising concerns about his future.
Ihor’s reasons for leaving remain unclear, but he expressed a desire to be normal and avoid fighting for “oligarchs and US money.” He insists that he entered Ireland legally through a military deferment, although his exact status remains uncertain.
The ‘Anti-Draft’ Lawyer
Vadym Sydorenko, a lawyer specializing in conscription law, helps clients obtain legal exemptions from the draft. He explains that small and medium-sized business owners can secure exemptions by obtaining critical business status, which protects employees from mobilization.
However, tensions often arise between the military and business owners, as both compete for manpower. Vadym recalls a case where a protected worker was mobilized before his company could apply for a reservation, highlighting the challenges faced by those seeking legal exemptions.
Current Trends and Policies
Ukraine’s conscription law requires males aged 25-60 to be eligible for mobilization. In April 2024, President Zelensky lowered the age limit from 27 to 25, but resisted calls to further reduce it to 18. The government introduced ‘Contract 18-24,’ a voluntary one-year contract offering financial incentives and benefits to young men.
Despite these measures, challenges remain in extending deferrals beyond the initial year. As the conflict continues, many Ukrainians are exploring legal and illegal methods to avoid conscription, reflecting the deep impact of the war on the nation’s population.
