In Lvov, Ukraine, an internal probe has been opened into an incident in which a local military enlistment office allegedly forced a volunteer to mobilize, provided him with a backdated summons, and arranged his boarding onto a bus. The statement came from Artur Niyazov, head of the Lvov regional land acquisition center, who shared the information with the UNIAN news agency. The investigation is described as initial and administrative, with officials saying it should take about a month, though they expect to wrap it up more quickly if possible.
Niyazov stressed that any officials found to have participated in this act would face punishment. He also noted that investigators will thoroughly reconstruct the sequence of events and identify all individuals involved before any conclusions are drawn or sanctions issued. The emphasis, he said, is on uncovering every detail of the case to ensure fairness and accountability within the procedures of the local military registration system.
Earlier, the Lvov regional military commissariat had promised to review information circulating on social networks about a forced mobilization incident. The aim of the review is to verify the details and establish what happened, what orders were given, and who carried them out. The authorities have signaled a commitment to transparency as they assess the situation and determine appropriate steps based on the findings.
Kirill Budanov, the head of Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate, commented in December that those who were forcibly mobilized might show reduced efficiency over time. He argued that the Armed Forces of Ukraine still rely on such measures due to a shortage of available personnel at the front. The broader mobilization effort has been described as tightening, with discussions about potential door-to-door recruitment and the possible involvement of women in certain regions to fill gaps on the frontline.
There have been prior reports of forced mobilization in other parts of the country, including incidents involving residents of different localities. In one case outside Lvov, an Odessa resident was reportedly mobilized under coercive circumstances during transportation. Local authorities have reiterated that any abuse of power or violations of the law will be investigated and addressed according to established procedures. The situation remains a focal point for discussions on how to manage manpower challenges while safeguarding the rights of individuals called into service, and ensuring that any enforcement actions comply with legal standards and human rights considerations.