Ukraine's border challenges: 75,000 escape despite restrictions
Since the beginning of 2022, nearly 30,000 people have been detained while attempting to flee Ukraine, and another 44,900 have crossed the border illegally. The Temporary Investigative Commission warns that this growing phenomenon reveals numerous loopholes and abuses in the system.
A meeting of the Temporary Investigative Commission was held in Kyiv to address the issue of illegal border crossings. Attendees included representatives from the State Border Guard Service, National Police, Prosecutor General’s Office, Ministry of Community and Territory Development, and the Security Service of Ukraine.
Tens of thousands of men left Ukraine despite the ban
Data presented during the session indicated that since the beginning of 2022, nearly 30,000 people have been detained during attempts to leave the country illegally, and another 44,900 have successfully crossed the border illegally.
As a consequence, over 7,000 criminal proceedings have been initiated; however, fewer than 400 cases have resulted in court verdicts.
The most commonly utilised methods for illegal departure include using falsified documents – for example, fake medical certificates, certificates of studying abroad, claims of being a father to multiple children, or falsified court decisions regarding child care.
Loopholes, corruption, and fake documents
Frequent attempts also occur to cross the border without border control, by using passports from other countries, exiting through occupied territories and into Russia, as well as via the "Szlach" system as supposed drivers of humanitarian transports.
The commission highlighted several systemic issues. For instance, the absence of a unified list of required documents at the border results in arbitrary decision-making.
The cessation of the "Szlach" system for volunteers has complicated the delivery of aid to soldiers, and the lack of electronic archiving hampers subsequent verification of the legality of departures. Concerns were also raised about the oversight of returns – certain individuals, including athletes and officials, do not return within the designated timeframe, and notifications to the authorities are frequently delayed.
There were further concerns regarding documents issued by state entities, such as the Main Intelligence Directorate and military administrations – the commission considered these as potentially susceptible to corruption and called for their review.
Due to the wartime situation, men of conscription age are prohibited from leaving the country.
