Ukraine launches investigation after attack on draft officers in Lviv

Ukrainian authorities have launched a criminal investigation after a crowd in the western city of Lviv surrounded and overturned an army conscription vehicle late on July 8.

The incident sparked sharp criticism from officials, who urged citizens to direct their anger toward Russia rather than the country's armed forces, Caliber.Az reports, citing Euronews.

According to authorities, the unrest began after military recruitment officers detained a man suspected of evading military service and transported him to a draft centre.

Ukraine's Prosecutor General's Office said an investigation had been opened into an incident involving military personnel, police officers and around 200 civilians.

"Two criminal proceedings have now been initiated on the grounds of obstructing the lawful activities of the Armed Forces of Ukraine during a special period (martial law) and using violence against a law enforcement officer," the prosecution service said.

Videos circulating on social media showed dozens of people surrounding the vehicle, shouting "shame" and recording the confrontation on their phones before the vehicle was overturned.

Prosecutors said a police officer who arrived at the scene to defuse tensions was later assaulted by members of the crowd.

Ukraine has recorded a growing number of confrontations involving military recruitment officers since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in 2022.

The issue of mobilisation remains highly sensitive in the country, where compulsory military service applies to men aged 25 and older.

Lviv regional governor Maksym Kozytskyi condemned the violence, reminding residents that "we have only one enemy."

Lviv Mayor Andriy Sadovyi warned that the incident could quickly become "a tool for hostile propaganda."

"Russia today is most interested in getting Ukrainians to start fighting among themselves...All those who broke the law must be held accountable," he wrote on Telegram.

According to Interfax-Ukraine, attacks against recruitment officers were rare during the first year of the war but have risen sharply as the conflict has continued and public fatigue has grown.

Police recorded only five such incidents in 2022, compared with 341 cases last year.

Separately, Ukraine's defense minister announced last month plans for more flexible military contracts following criticism of the country's system of open-ended military service obligations.

Meanwhile, the Kremlin criticized comments by US President Donald Trump suggesting Ukrainian strikes on Russian energy infrastructure could contribute to ending the war.

Asked about the attacks during a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Trump said: "It's an escalation, but it's also an escalation that can help lead to an end."

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov rejected that assessment, arguing that increasing military pressure would not force Russia into concessions.

"We see certain misconceptions within the White House administration, that by escalating military pressure it can help move to a peace settlement. That is a mistaken view," Peskov said.

"Further escalation may prolong the special military operation to some extent," he added, using Moscow's term for the war in Ukraine.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov