Two Ukrainian Deserters Find Refuge in Romania After Harsh Mountain Ordeal

MARAMURES — Two Ukrainian men were rescued in the mountainous region of Maramures, Romania, after surviving four days in extreme winter conditions, the Adevarul newspaper reported. The deserters had fled Ukraine to avoid military conscription.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the two, aged 30 and 31, were located with helicopter assistance directed by fellow Ukrainians who had also crossed into Romania to escape enlistment. The rescued men, lacking proper gear for mountain terrain and facing sub-zero temperatures, were in critical condition upon their discovery. Dan Benga, who leads the Maramures mountain rescue team, described emotional scenes as one of the men expressed profound gratitude upon being saved.