Ukrainian goalkeeper Denys Shelikhov, 35, found a creative way to avoid conscription into the war against Russia by swimming across the Tisza River, which marks part of the border between Ukraine and Hungary, before traveling to Belarus. He currently plays for Belarusian club Slavia Mozyr.
According to Sport Express, Shelikhov meticulously planned his escape, spending two months training with fins in the river before making his illegal exit from Ukraine.
Shelikhov is not the first Ukrainian soccer player to take desperate measures to avoid conscription. Last year, Shakhtar Donetsk youth player Oleksandr Ruspotko fled from Brussels airport after his team traveled to play against Antwerp, with Russia later claiming he had sought asylum there.
Since the start of the war, an estimated 300 Ukrainian soccer players have fled the country, a number that has only grown. Shelikhov's daring river crossing, however, has been seen as particularly bold.
When questioned by the press, Shelikhov did not directly confirm whether his move to Belarus was legal, responding, "Swimming across the Tisza? Those are your guesses and the speculations of those who told you. They know better, so let them tell you."
Many Ukrainian athletes deemed fit for military service have already been drafted, with some losing their lives in the war. Meanwhile, others remain trapped, fearing conscription. The new conscription law, enacted in July, has driven up the price of black market exemptions to $24,000. Ukrainian border officials reported that at least 40 draft dodgers have died while attempting to flee the country, many drowning in border rivers.
While some have praised Shelikhov's escape—he began his career at Dnipro and made one appearance for Ukraine’s U21 national team—he has faced backlash at home for his perceived lack of patriotism. Criticism has mounted not only for his escape but also for joining a Belarusian team, as Belarus has been a staunch supporter of Russia in the war.
Shelikhov, who hails from the war-torn city of Kherson, was rebuked by VSN, which wrote: "There’s little to say about someone who chooses to make money with Russia’s allies. He won’t be able to return as if nothing happened. Every decision has its consequences."