Many Ukrainian men are fleeing the country to avoid being called up to fight against the Russian invaders. Kyiv’s military has relied on its fighting-age men to bolster its forces since the start of the war.

In 2022, many volunteered to help on the frontline, but now, many are trying to avoid being called up. This comes after Volodymyr Zelensky changed conscription rules earlier this year, lowering the age at which men can be called up.

Now, Ukrainian men who have fled the country or gone into hiding have spoken about why they have taken such drastic actions.

Speaking to ABC News, one man named Ihor said: “When the war had only just started, then there was more patriotism. And then I also wanted to go to the army.

“I know people who are already dead, who were there two days and that was it, they died. And it’s just, I understand that even if I go to war and become an invalid, then no one will care for me except for my relatives.

Ihor said the decision to leave Ukraine was wrenching, wracking him with guilt.

“I have this feeling that my family are there, under missile strikes, under constant air raid alerts, and I am here in safety. I am torturing myself. Why I am here and not there? I already thought about going back.”

Some in Ukraine have complained that the mobilisation effort in Ukraine is targeting men in poorer areas. Questions have also been raised over videos allegedly showing conscription officers grabbing men off the street.

Another Ukrainian man, given the pseudonym Denys, said: “You have to have been trained for many years to be an efficient soldier, not just cannon fodder. I think I will be killed the next 5 minutes.

“Of course I worry. But I’m not sure that I will be a good soldier. And I’m not sure if I die, as I said, in the first 5 minutes, it can help my country, for my country to win. Maybe. Maybe. But I’m not sure about that.”