Kyiv: Ukraine’s army chief has condemned a series of violent attacks targeting military draft officers, calling for a firm response amid growing challenges in sustaining frontline manpower. The incidents—including a fatal shooting and explosions at two draft offices within three days—have intensified pressure on Ukraine’s already troubled conscription campaign, which has faced mounting resistance.
The attacks come as Ukraine seeks to maintain a position of strength ahead of potential negotiations, with U.S. President Donald Trump pushing for a swift resolution to the war. Meanwhile, Russian forces continue to gain ground in eastern Ukraine.
Army Chief Denounces Violence
General Oleksandr Syrskyi, who has repeatedly warned of manpower shortages on the battlefield, described the attacks as “shameful acts of violence” and called for swift investigations and punishment for those responsible.
“The common goal of defending Ukraine is impossible without the entire nation’s support of the army and respect for military personnel,” Syrskyi wrote on Telegram.
Authorities have arrested two suspects in connection with Friday’s fatal shooting of a draft officer at a petrol station in the central Poltava region. Prosecutors allege that one of the suspects shot the officer, allowing a second man—who had been mobilized and was under the officer’s charge—to escape.
The following day, an explosion at a draft office in the northwestern city of Rivne killed one person and wounded six others, according to military officials. Another explosion on Sunday at a draft office in Pavlohrad left one person injured.
Concerns Over Internal Stability
While Ukrainian authorities have not confirmed a direct link between the attacks, their rapid succession has raised alarm in Kyiv. Officials fear that Moscow could be exploiting internal divisions in an already war-weary nation, which is now entering its fourth year of full-scale conflict.
“The Armed Forces of Ukraine are doing everything possible to protect our state and the Ukrainian people. During a full-scale war, this is impossible without mobilization measures,” Syrskyi stated.
Ukraine declared a general mobilization immediately after Russia’s invasion on February 24, 2022, prompting tens of thousands of Ukrainian men to enlist. However, enthusiasm has declined over time, and the draft process has sparked societal tensions, with many military-age men attempting to evade conscription.
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Possible Russian Involvement?
Kyiv has not directly accused Russia of orchestrating the recent attacks. However, Mykhailo Drapatyi, commander of Ukraine’s land forces, suggested that they were part of a broader campaign aimed at undermining the military draft.
“We have no right to silently observe a growing wave of disrespect towards the defenders of Ukraine—this is beyond the pale of what can be tolerated,” Drapatyi said.
A Ukrainian security source told Reuters that Moscow has been conducting a prolonged effort to disrupt Ukraine’s military recruitment efforts. The source claimed that Russia’s tactics include inciting violence against draft officers, spreading disinformation about their locations, and recruiting Ukrainians to carry out sabotage operations.
On Sunday alone, six vehicles across Ukraine were reportedly damaged in arson attacks, including two belonging to military personnel, according to the security source.
