Men in the Russian-occupied part of the Zaporizhzhia region are fleeing to avoid forced conscription into Moscow's army. The exodus follows what Western powers have called "sham" referendums, staged by Russia, that seek to legitimize the eventual annexation of territories under Russian control.
"They're already drafting 18- to 35-year-olds over there," a man with gray hair said in front of a line of cars near a Ukrainian army checkpoint. "They don't ask whether you want to or not. They force you to sign up."
