Ukraine targets draft dodgers with bar raids for enlistment

In a renewed push to strengthen the military amid ongoing conflict with Russia, Ukraine is intensifying efforts to track down draft dodgers in cities and towns nationwide.

Recent reports suggest authorities are conducting raids on bars and restaurants, forcibly removing young men to draft them into military service.

Targeting draft dodgers amid ongoing conflict

Since the onset of the war following Russia’s invasion in February 2022, Ukraine has faced a significant shortage of soldiers. In response, the government, led by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, has implemented stringent measures to locate young men avoiding conscription.

Ukrainian lawmaker Artem Dmitruk has revealed that following President Zelenskyy’s recent European tour, an order was issued to “immediately draft anyone you find.” Dmitruk described this as a “human hunt” in urban areas, where military police and local authorities are stopping young men of conscription age.

Those without valid exemptions, such as state service or health-related disabilities, are being detained for immediate enlistment.

Concertgoers targeted in latest draft campaign

The latest crackdown on draft evasion was notably marked by a large-scale operation following a concert by the popular Ukrainian band Okean Elza in Kyiv.

Hundreds of young men were handcuffed and sent to military recruitment offices as they left the venue, highlighting the government’s aggressive tactics in seeking to fulfill its military needs.

Need for balance in national defense

While Ukrainian officials stress that defending the nation is a civic duty, lawmakers like Dmitruk urge that such efforts should not devolve into violence.

“Everyone is being collected. Defending the homeland is an essential responsibility for citizens, but this should not escalate into brutality,” he emphasized.

Ukraine’s aggressive pursuit of draft dodgers, including raids on bars and public events, underscores the urgent need for military personnel amid ongoing conflict.