Why are Ukraine's military recruiters facing violence in their own country?

Ukraine is finding it increasingly difficult to mobilize men to fight against Russia as the conflict enters its fifth year. The reasons for reluctance range from fear of the front line to a lack of enthusiasm for a war that appears endless. This resistance has turned violent in some cases, with recruitment officers facing attacks while trying to enforce conscription.

According to the latest report from the National Police Service, there have been more than 600 assaults on recruitment officers so far, and authorities warn that the aggression is "increasingly threatening." In April, several recruiters were stabbed, one fatally. More recently, in Lviv, around 200 protesters surrounded officers attempting to detain a suspected draft dodger and smashed and overturned their car.

The incident made headlines, and President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned violence against serving soldiers. Journalist Sarah Rainsford has reported on the surge in violence against military recruiters.