Some Ukrainians are paying thousands of dollars to human traffickers to guide them through the backcountry to neighbouring countries, The Irish Times has reported.
“This is Ukraine’s darkest hour. The country is exhausted. It is not uncommon to hear Ukrainians saying privately that it may be better to accept the loss of some territory to save lives,” the Irish newspaper notes.
According to a Ukrainian officer, the pool of volunteers has dried up, and those who do not want to serve make ineffective soldiers who are quickly killed.