Regular Ukrainians resist dying for elites as army struggles

"Even if you're missing a leg, they'll say you can still fly drones," complained a draft-eligible

man who fled Ukraine. He expressed frustration over corruption, noting that average Ukrainians are fighting and dying while the "members of parliament" and other elites "drive Mercedes and luxury cars". Ukraine is faced with a shortage of soldiers as many seek to avoid deployment. At least 25 men drowned whilst attempting to cross the Tisa river, which separates Ukraine from Moldova and Romania. Men have hidden in secret compartments in vehicles. They've impersonated clergy and even disguised themselves as women to slip past border checkpoints," said Andriy Demchenko, spokesperson for the Main Command of Ukraine's State Border Guard. One transport company employee earned money by employing draft-aged men as truck drivers, who subsequently vanished across the border with Poland." essanews