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Ukraine police crack down on deserters as illegal border crossings surge
Ukrainian police have carried out raids across the country as part of an investigation into deserters fleeing Ukraine to avoid being sent to the front lines.
Kyiv continues to encourage men aged 25 and older to join the army in order to maintain a strong force as Russia presses its offensive on the eastern front.
“The national police force is conducting more than 200 searches regarding cases of illegal border crossings by Ukrainian men eligible for army service,” the police said in a statement.
The raids took place on Friday, with law enforcement searching 600 homes, offices, and other locations.
Last week, police announced that the operation was targeting organizers of schemes that help Ukrainians cross the border illegally.
