Over 23,000 men enter Moldova illegally since start of full-scale war in Ukraine

Radio Liberty reports this with reference to data from the Border Police and the General Inspectorate for Migration.

The Moldovan authorities want to help Ukrainian institutions prevent the escape of able-bodied men, especially organized human trafficking. However, if they manage to arrive in Moldova undetected, they do not face repatriation.

"The provision of the Moldovan Criminal Code on illegal crossing of the state border does not apply to foreign citizens who want to exercise the right of asylum," the statement says.

The publication notes that over a year and two months, 12,764 Ukrainian men aged 18 to 59 have been granted temporary protection in Moldova.

• The day before, border guards in the Odesa region detained 23 men who were illegally trying to flee to Moldova on a grain truck.