Raids by Ukrainian military recruiters stoke fear and increase mobilization

Ukrainian military recruitment agents raided restaurants, bars and a concert hall in Kiev, checked military registration documents and detained non-compliant men, media and witnesses reported Saturday.

Officers descended on the Sports Palace in Kyiv after a Friday night concert by Ukrainian rock group Okean Elzy. Video footage released by local media appears to show officers stationed outside the concert hall’s doors intercepting men as they leave. In the footage, officers appear to be forcibly detaining some of the men.

Checks were also made at Goodwine, an upscale shopping mall, and Avalon, a popular restaurant.

It is unusual for such raids to take place in the capital, and reflects Ukraine’s urgent need for new recruits. All Ukrainian men between the ages of 25 and 60 are eligible for military conscription, and men between the ages of 18 and 60 cannot leave the country.

Men live in fear of being called out

A 27-year-old man said he left the concert during the last song after being told about the recruitment agents. He said he saw soldiers and police talking to people but “didn’t see anything super aggressive.”