A Ukrainian man is in Romanian custody after piloting a small aircraft across the border, seeking asylum to avoid conscription in his homeland. The incident occurred Sunday in Suceava County, near the village of Fratautii Vechi, according to Romanian Border Police.
The 31-year-old man landed a German-made Ikarus Comco C22 ultralight aircraft in a field and subsequently contacted emergency services, informing them of his unauthorized border crossing. Romanian authorities confirmed he had not entered the country legally and initiated a criminal investigation for illegal border crossing and operating an uncertified aircraft. He has requested a form of temporary protection, citing the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
The case highlights a growing trend of Ukrainian men seeking to evade mandatory military service, with Romania emerging as a primary destination. Romanian Border Police reported that 31,600 Ukrainian men illegally crossed into Romania between February 2022 and February 2026, often facing perilous conditions while attempting to traverse mountainous terrain and the Tisa River.
While such crossings are illegal, Romanian law generally treats those attempting to evade the draft as asylum seekers. Following detention, nearly all applicants request temporary protection, and under both European Union and Romanian regulations, they are not deported to Ukraine while their claims are under review.
The Ukrainian military is currently grappling with a significant manpower shortage, attributed to battlefield losses, draft evasion, and desertion. Reports indicate that some infantry companies are operating with as little as 30-40% of their authorized strength. With volunteer numbers dwindling, Kyiv relies heavily on conscription, a policy that has proven divisive and led to accusations of excessive force by recruitment officers. Ukrainian Defense Minister Mikhail Fedorov recently stated that approximately 2 million potential recruits are currently wanted for draft evasion, with an estimated 200,000 troops having deserted.
Ukrainian border authorities have been notified of the incident, and the Romanian General Inspectorate for Immigration will review the asylum claim. The man will remain in Romania pending a decision on his request.
