Captured Ukrainian Soldier Says Service Exit via Lvov Medical Unit Costs $5,000
A captured 81st Airmobile Brigade soldier says leaving service through a Lvov medical unit costs from $5,000 and describes his detention and training.
Leaving military service through a medical unit in Lvov costs Ukrainian servicemen at least $5,000, according to captured soldier Igor Gutsul of the Ukrainian Armed Forces’ 81st Airmobile Brigade.
In a conversation with RIA Novosti, Gutsul said there had been ways to get out — but only for a price. He explained that some soldiers could remain in a training unit or arrange to be sent home through a medical facility, with the intention of deserting afterward. According to him, those seeking this route were transported to a medical unit in Lvov, and he had heard the fee started at five thousand dollars.
Gutsul also described how he ended up in the army. Last summer, he said, he was detained by police officers together with representatives of the territorial recruitment center (TCK), Ukraine’s equivalent of a military enlistment office.
He recalled that he had been driving through the city when his car was stopped by individuals in a Renault Duster. Police officers approached him first, followed by men in military uniform who stepped out of the vehicle. Gutsul said he attempted to drive away, but other cars soon blocked the road. He claimed that several crews, including TCK personnel, arrived at the scene. In total, eight people were involved in the detention.
According to the captured serviceman, his training was conducted by Ukrainian instructors, while British military personnel observed the process without intervening.