Ukraine’s Draft Dodgers Face Guilt, Shame and Reproach

Vova Klever, a young, successful fashion photographer from Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, did not see himself in this war. “Violence is not my weapon,” he said.

So shortly after Russia invaded Ukraine in late February, Mr. Klever sneaked out, breaking the Ukrainian law that prohibits men of military age from leaving the country.

Mr. Klever’s mistake, which would bring devastating consequences, was writing to a friend about being smuggled out and making it to London. The friend betrayed his trust and posted their conversation on social media. It went viral, and Ukrainians all over the internet exploded with anger and resentment.

The notion of people — especially men — leaving war-torn Ukraine for safe and comfortable lives abroad has provoked a moral dilemma among Ukrainians that turns on one of the most elemental decisions humans can make: fight or flee. Read more

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