Ukraine sees surge in criminal cases against draft dodgers amid ongoing war
During the full-scale military aggression by Russia against Ukraine, law enforcement agencies recorded over 19,000 criminal cases related to draft evasion.
From January 2022 to September 2025, Ukraine opened multiple criminal investigations under Article 336 of the Criminal Code, which pertains to evading mobilization.
According to the official data from the Office of the Prosecutor General, approximately 7,902 cases have been closed, but the number of prosecuted individuals remains significantly lower.
Public data from the ‘Judicial Power of Ukraine’ portal shows that between 2022 and 2024, 1,734 individuals have been sentenced for draft evasion.
Data for 2025 has not yet been published.While law enforcement intensifies efforts to hold evaders accountable, regional incidents and clashes continue to occur.
Notably, on October 30, in Odessa near the ‘Seventh Kilometer’ market, a confrontation erupted between civilians and military personnel, resulting in a minibus belonging to the draft center being overturned and damaged.
On the same day, in Kremenchuk, a shooting took place at a military enlistment office, leaving two soldiers wounded.
These events highlight the ongoing tensions and societal unrest surrounding mobilization efforts amidst the ongoing conflict.