Ukrainian military recruitment officers have recently carried out a series of unexpected raids at restaurants, bars, and a concert hall in Kyiv, reflecting the urgent need for new recruits in the ongoing conflict with Russia.
Waited Outside Concert Hall
According to reports from Digi24, these operations involved checking military documents and detaining men who had not complied with military enlistment rules.
One notable incident occurred at the Sports Palace in Kyiv following a concert by the popular Ukrainian rock band Okean Elzy. Local media captured video footage showing recruitment officers stationed at the concert hall's exit, stopping men as they left.
Some men were reportedly taken into custody. Similar checks were conducted at high-end shopping venues like Goodwine and the popular restaurant Avalon. Such raids are unusual in the capital and highlight the increasing pressure on the Ukrainian military to bolster its ranks.
Men Age 18-60 Not Allowed to Leave Country
In Ukraine, all men aged 25 to 60 are eligible for military service, while those aged 18 to 60 are not allowed to leave the country.
One 27-year-old concertgoer shared his experience of leaving just as the final song played, noting the presence of soldiers and police engaging with attendees but stating that he did not observe anything overtly aggressive.
He expressed a feeling of unease, indicating that men often feel at risk of being recruited when they are out in public.
Recruitment raids have also taken place in other Ukrainian cities, including Kharkiv and Dnipro. This year, Ukraine has significantly ramped up its mobilization efforts. A new law implemented this spring requires eligible men to enter their information into an online system, failing which they may face penalties.
Meanwhile, on the battlefield, the Ukrainian military announced on Saturday that it had struck a Russian-controlled oil terminal in the partially occupied Luhansk region. This terminal was reportedly supplying fuel to the Russian military.
The Ukrainian General Staff stated on Telegram that this site was storing oil and petroleum products essential for Russian operations.
Russian state media reported that the terminal near Rovenky was attacked by a Ukrainian drone, confirming that there were no casualties and that the fire was extinguished, but they did not comment on the extent of any damage.
