CNN: At least 29 Ukrainians die fleeing to Romania to avoid front lines

At least 29 Ukrainian men trying to flee illegally to Romania to avoid the front lines have died while crossing mountainous terrain or drowning in the Tisa River, which separates parts of northern Romania and southwestern Ukraine.

In most cases, deaths occur because men set out without proper equipment. According to Romanian rescuer Den Benga, the fugitives are often unprepared for harsh weather conditions and difficult mountainous terrain, per CNN.

“They would rather die on the mountains trying to escape than in the war,” the rescuer said.

He also noted that since the start of the conflict in Ukraine, his team has detained 377 Ukrainians attempting to illegally cross the border.

CNN reports that more than 30,000 Ukrainian men have nevertheless managed to enter Romania illegally, where they were granted temporary protection. At the same time, over 25,000 others were detained while attempting to cross the border, according to Ukraine’s border service.

After nearly four years of pushing against Russia’s full-scale invasion, Ukraine is facing a growing manpower crisis: Kyiv’s forces are trying to hold a more than 600-mile front line against Russian troops who are pressing a relentless war of attrition.

By Khagan Isayev