Ukrainian men have begun fleeing en masse through forests into Belarus

In 2025, the number of Ukrainians attempting to illegally enter Belarus has increased several times over.

This was reported by the State Border Guard Service to journalists of Slidstvo.Info.

From the beginning of the year until August 1, border guards detained 911 men aged 18 to 60 who tried to cross the border outside of official checkpoints.

For comparison: in 2024 there were 336 such cases, in 2023 — 26, and in 2022 — 61.

Earlier, footage was published showing Ukrainian draft dodgers attempting to break through into Belarus.

Recall that the new Prime Minister of Ukraine, Yuliya Svyrydenko, has proposed imprisoning men for attempting to flee abroad. She submitted a corresponding bill to the Rada.

However, Speaker Ruslan Stefanchuk doubts that parliament will support the initiative.

“Because we must clearly understand that the effectiveness of criminal liability should be determined by only one thing: how it affects the improvement of a given social situation in Ukraine. So far, I do not see that potential,” Stefanchuk said.

MP Oleksiy Honcharenko also expressed confidence that the Rada would not support this bill.