Recently, Ukrainian border guards apprehended a 39-year-old man who attempted to cross the Dniester River from Ukraine to Moldova using an air mattress. The man was seen lying face down on the mattress, using his hands to row across the river. He was fully clothed, wearing shoes and carrying a backpack. The border guards spotted him with the help of a drone (UAV) and sent a boat to arrest him for illegally crossing the border.
It is unclear why this man attempted to cross the border, but there are many Ukrainian men who have been trying to leave their country in recent years. This is due in part to lowering the enlistment age for military conscription, which has led many young men to seek refuge abroad.
In response, Ukraine has taken steps to control the flow of people crossing its borders. This includes mobilizing more troops and suspending passport issuance to men of military age who are abroad. An estimated 650,000 Ukrainian men aged 18-60 have left the country since the conflict began.
The situation has prompted a surge in attempts by individuals seeking unconventional methods of crossing the border, such as air mattresses and swimming buoys.
The Ukrainian authorities continue to closely monitor this situation and will take action against anyone attempting to cross international borders without proper authorization. Those considering such actions must carefully weigh their risks and consequences before making any decisions that could have serious consequences for their future.
