In western Ukrainian city of Lviv, tensions flared two weeks ago when hundreds of civilians clashed with members of mobilization units attempting to transport men to military centers. The incident, which saw a vehicle overturned and several personnel attacked, has once again highlighted the growing challenge Ukraine faces in securing enough soldiers to defend against Russia’s larger forces, now entering its fourth year of war. The confrontation occurred as mobilization teams tried to collect men for conscription, prompting a crowd to surround their vehicle, overturn it, and assault multiple individuals. This was one of many instances of rising friction between citizens and authorities responsible for enforcing mandatory service, a trend exacerbated by Ukraine's ongoing struggle to meet its military staffing requirements. According to reports from French media outlet France 24 and Radio Free Europe, the number of attacks on mobilization officials has surged dramatically. In 2022, police recorded just five such incidents, but by last year, the figure had risen to 341. In the first four months of 2026 alone, nearly 120 incidents were documented, including a fatal attack in April on a mobilization center staff member. Ukraine increasingly relies on compulsory mobilization due to a sharp decline in voluntary enlistments following the failed counteroffensive in 2023. Analysts warn that heavy losses on the front lines necessitate a constant influx of new recruits. According to the American Center for Strategic and International Studies, over 635,000 Ukrainian troops have been killed, wounded, or missing since the start of the Russian invasion. Rihor Nizhnikau, a researcher at the Finnish Institute for International Affairs, notes that the primary cause of escalating measures is straightforward: a lack of manpower. “It’s a very basic issue, there simply aren’t enough people,” he explained. He added that the state is becoming more aggressive and decisive in seeking new recruits because of this shortage. Nizhnikau also points to the absence of clear guidelines as a contributing factor. “Ukraine lacks a clear mobilization strategy or policy. People don’t know who is called up, who is exempt, on what criteria decisions are made, and how long they will serve. This ambiguity creates a sense of injustice,” he warned. Public dissatisfaction is further fueled by the method of mobilization, often referred to as “busification” within Ukraine. This term describes situations where mobilization officers stop men on the street, take them by bus to recruitment centers, and conduct procedures there. Footage of these events spreads rapidly through social media, frequently used as tools by Russian propaganda. Despite government claims that most mobilizations proceed without issues, the number of complaints related to the behavior of mobilization units continues to rise. In 2022, 18 complaints were filed, but by the previous year, that number had climbed to 6,127. In the first four months of 2026, another 1,657 complaints were registered. Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov announced reforms aimed at improving the military system, including higher pay for frontline soldiers, shorter contracts, and the possibility of returning some long-serving soldiers home. The ministry also stated that Ukraine would strengthen the recruitment of foreign volunteers. Nizhnikau believes these changes are essential, as the current system causes frustration among both soldiers and civilians. “There exists a significant conflict between different social groups. Soldiers see that not everyone wants to serve, while mobilization is carried out with force. Civilians, on the other hand, have numerous reasons why they do not wish to join the army,” he noted.
★
Keep the news honest.
ObjectiveNews is reader-funded and ad-free — we show you the bias instead of hiding it. Support independent journalism for €4/month.
Become a Supporter
Slovenia
