Ukrainian border guards claim they have prevented a ‘male deserter dressed in women's clothes’ escaping the country.
After stopping a taxi crossing from Ukraine into Moldova, officials became suspicious when they discovered a conscript certificate in the vehicle.
Ukrainian men aged between 18 and 60 are expected to stay and fight against Russia’s invasion.
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One exception to conscription in Ukraine is ineligibility on medical grounds, while others are dependent on whether or not a person is looking after three or more children or raising a child on their own.
People raising disabled children are also exempt from fighting.
MailOnline reports that the taxi was stopped near Odessa and inside was a ‘strangely tall 26-year-old with a deep voice’.
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The State Border Guard Service of Ukraine’s suspicions are said to have been raised once a temporary conscript certificate was found.
The individual was then taken to an indoor location where they were seen signing documents in the clip.
Footage shows a person dressed in a black jacket and leopard print hat talking to Ukraine officials.
The person’s long hair is visible and the individual gestures with their hands while talking to guards at the side of a road.
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The camera then pans to the taxi’s trunk, where suitcases and luggage can be seen.
When Russia’s war on Ukraine broke out in March, the UN urged Ukraine to ‘take a compassionate approach to the enforcement of martial law’.
Speaking last month, Matthew Saltmarsh, head of news and media at the UN’s refugee agency, said, as per The Guardian: “We recognise that states have a right to self-defence under both the UN charter and customary international law and that states may also require their citizens to perform military service under certain criteria and conditions, in line with international law.
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“At the same time … we appreciate these are very challenging circumstances and we would urge a compassionate and humane approach to those who are seeking to flee and are in need of safety and protection.”
The video’s publication follows the news that Ukraine sank one of Russia’s most prized warships.
It was revealed on 14 April that the Moskva ship sank below the surface of the ocean and Ukraine took responsibility, claiming it was a result of their missile strikes.
Russia's state-owned media said the ship sank while it was being towed back to a port in the region during stormy conditions.
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The Tass news agency stated: "As a result of a fire on the Moskva missile cruiser, ammunition detonated. The source of the blaze on the Moskva has been contained. The explosions of ammunition have stopped."
If you would like to donate to the Red Cross Emergency Appeal, which will help provide food, medicines and basic medical supplies, shelter and water to those in Ukraine, click here for more information
Aisha Nozari