The dangerous journey to avoid Ukraine's military draft

Nearly four years into Russia's invasion, men of military service age — from 23 to 60 years old — are banned from leaving Ukraine. Many still attempt to flee conscription on foot, risking death as they pass into northern Romania across the Carpathian Mountains or the Tisa River.

Data as of December 21, 2025.

Note: “Assessed” means the Institute for the Study of War has received reliable and independently verifiable information to demonstrate Russian control or advances in those areas.

Sources: The Institute for the Study of War with AEI’s Critical Threats Project, Romanian Border Police, OpenStreetMap

Graphic: Lou Robinson, CNN