Ukraine Intensifies Raids for Military Conscription

Ukraine has intensified its military recruitment efforts amidst its ongoing war with Russia, leading to targeted raids in Kyiv and other cities such as Kharkiv and Dnipro. Military officers have been checking registration documents at venues including bars, restaurants, and concert halls, detaining men who are not in compliance. This move is in response to a severe shortage of soldiers, with new laws requiring men aged 25-60 to register online for military service or face penalties. Many men, who are banned from leaving the country, live in fear of being drafted. These raids, which have included the Palace of Sports during a concert by the rock band Okean Elzy, underscore the urgent need for fresh recruits. The legal changes in April, which lowered the draft-eligible age from 27 to 25 and removed certain exemptions, have exacerbated the situation for potential conscripts.