Long story short - I have slightly more than a year left before I’m legally required to serve in the Ukrainian military, not that it matters that much since they grab people off the streets anyway, but it will be an even bigger problem since I will officially have no “excuse” not to serve and will have to hide or escape before then, and it doesn’t look like the war will end for the next god knows how many years. Has anyone here draft-dodged or escaped their country in a similar manner before? If so, any advice on how to do so?
Two important points to add: Firstly, some border areas may be mined. Probably mostly on the Belarus and Russian borders, but nevertheless it pays to be careful. Secondly, there have been many reports of people being shot while attempting to cross the border by swimming over rivers in open places where they are easily visible. Not to mention that there is a risk of drowning if the current is too strong, or hypothermia now that winter is approaching. Anyone who attempts the crossing, please ensure that you are prepared and have a solid plan, best discussed with people who have experience. And don’t leak your plan in advance to anyone you don’t 100% trust.
I wouldn’t fuck with rivers or fields for this reason. On the other hand even from 100m away it’s really hard to spot people in the woods in the summer and basically impossible from overhead. I don’t agree w going in the snow, I would do it when the vegetation is full. That might mean waiting until late spring or early summer if OP can afford to wait. Visibility is probably 10x in winter and that’s not an exaggeration. The vegetation is your cover.
If there’s no time left then you gotta go when you gotta go
I based the mylar-blanket thing on some Ukrainian immigrants who were passing by when I was staying in a spot for a little while. They told me that wrapping yourself in mylar and traveling in the snow makes you effectively invisible.
Full-vegetation may be effective but I think they’re already getting into fall now. I’m not sure if they have until next summer.
It’s a really good idea