Around 1,000 offenders detained in March while attempting to illegally cross Ukraine’s border
In March 2026, officers of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine (SBGS) detained around 1,000 individuals who attempted to cross the state border illegally.
This was reported by the agency’s spokesperson, Andrii Demchenko, during a briefing at the Ukrinform Media Centre.
Despite the significant figure, the SBGS representative noted a positive trend compared to the same period last year.
According to him, there is currently a clear tendency towards an overall decrease in the number of attempts to cross the border illegally.
“Overall, around 1,000 offenders were detained in March while attempting to cross the border illegally. However, compared to last year’s figures, there is a downward trend,” Andrii Demchenko stated during the briefing.
Border guards predict that in the near future the number of people attempting to leave the country outside official checkpoints may rise again.
The main factor likely to drive this increase is the seasonal improvement in weather conditions in border regions.
Analysis of detentions shows that most offenders do not act alone, but seek assistance from organised criminal groups.
These groups promise their “clients” safe routes and assistance in crossing the border in exchange for payment.
It is worth noting that in the Rivne region, authorities recently uncovered a channel for illegally smuggling men across the border.
Border guards in the Odesa region also detained a fugitive attempting to escape on a motorcycle.
