Ukrainian men deported from the United States are reportedly being conscripted into the Armed Forces of Ukraine upon their return home, according to a report by CNN.

Journalists say the case involves 45 Ukrainian nationals expelled from the US by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). They were flown to Poland, where American officials handed them over to the Polish side. From there, the group was escorted to the Ukrainian border and transferred onto Ukrainian territory.

One of the deportees told the broadcaster that the men remained in handcuffs until they reached the border. The State Border Service of Ukraine later indicated that 24 of those who arrived had been listed as wanted for conscription. After crossing into Ukraine, they were handed over to the police, who then transported them to territorial recruitment centers (TCK), the local equivalent of military enlistment offices.

Ukraine has been under a general mobilization order since February 2022, with the measure repeatedly extended. At the same time, social media regularly features footage showing forceful draft notices being issued, as well as clashes between residents and recruitment officers across various regions. In an effort to meet mobilization targets, TCK personnel have often been accused of sweeping up men indiscriminately, including those with disabilities and fathers of large families.