The bodies of three men, who likely attempted to leave Ukraine, were found in the Tisa River, at the border with Romania, which is frequently used by those trying to avoid military conscription, Ukrainian border police announced on Tuesday.
In Ukraine, men aged between 18 and 60 are prohibited from leaving the country, with few exceptions, under martial law, AFP reports.
Since the start of the Russian invasion in February 2022, many men have left the country, either illegally or legally, to evade military recruitment.
These fears are growing stronger with ten days left before a new law comes into effect that should enable the mobilization of more soldiers.
The bodies of the three men were retrieved from the Tisa River in Transcarpathia on Monday, as announced by the border police in a statement.
A fisherman found the lifeless body of a 28-year-old young man, according to the same source.
Subsequently, border police found two more bodies. One of the men, aged 20, lived in northeastern Ukraine, while the identity of the third individual "has not yet been established."
Therefore, at least two of them were of the age required for military recruitment. However, Ukrainian authorities have not definitively confirmed that they were fleeing conscription.
"Most likely, these were individuals attempting to illegally cross the border," stated the border police spokesperson, Andrii Demchenko, to AFP.
The watercourse is "dangerous," stated the border police, denouncing "criminals seeking illicit profits" who offer to help those wanting to flee to cross the river.
Authorities regularly warn about these risks, as the Tisa River is often used by individuals seeking to escape Ukraine.