‘Everyone's afraid to die’: Struggle to recruit soldiers in Ukraine turns violent
Summary
Ukraine is facing growing violence as its military struggles to recruit enough soldiers amid the ongoing war with Russia. Recruiters and soldiers searching for draft dodgers have been attacked multiple times, leading to injuries and public unrest.Key Facts
- Vasyl Krupych, a Ukrainian soldier and veteran, was attacked and badly beaten by civilians while looking for draft evaders.
- There have been over 600 assaults on recruitment officers reported this year, with some incidents becoming violent and aggressive.
- In April, several recruiters were stabbed, including one fatal attack.
- In Lviv, about 200 protesters surrounded officers trying to detain a suspected draft dodger and damaged a police car.
- President Zelensky condemned violence against soldiers but a recent change in Defence Minister may slow efforts to fix recruitment problems.
- Fear of frontline combat and frustration over the prolonged war are causing many men to avoid conscription.
- The Ukrainian military uses "busification"—sending patrols to collect men forcibly when extra soldiers are urgently needed.
- Human Rights officials have documented thousands of complaints against recruiters for abuse and illegal detentions, worsening tensions.
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