On March 25, 2023, an incident involving a 36-year-old man, Serhiy Kustodiyev, during mobilization activities in Dnipro has drawn attention. According to a response from the Dnipropetrovsk Regional Center for Recruitment and Social Support, no force was used against Kustodiyev by the mobilization staff.
The military reported that around 7:15 PM, representatives of the recruitment center identified a male individual, later confirmed to be Kustodiyev, who appeared to be between 35 and 40 years old. Records indicated that he had previously been registered in a temporarily occupied territory but had not registered for military service upon relocating.
As the officials approached Kustodiyev, he reportedly turned and fled for reasons that remain unclear. This prompted the recruitment staff to pursue him. Kustodiyev fell near a store, losing his balance and striking his head on the asphalt without any direct contact with the officials. Following the fall, the recruitment representatives offered assistance.
The official response did not clarify whether medical assistance was among the help offered. Kustodiyev’s wife, Valentyna, recounted that at 7:49 PM, he called her in a distressed state, indicating he was undergoing a medical examination and experiencing severe head pain. The call abruptly ended.
Using a location tracking application on his watch, Valentyna arrived at the medical facility where Kustodiyev was being treated. Approximately 40 minutes later, an ambulance arrived, and medical personnel assisted him, as he was unable to walk unaided. Valentyna observed signs of serious injury, including a dent on the side of his head and subsequent vomiting. Upon arrival at the hospital, Kustodiyev lost consciousness during a CT scan.
Since the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, martial law has been enacted, and general mobilization has been declared. The Ukrainian parliament has extended the martial law and mobilization periods every three months.
Reports of conflicts between recruitment center employees and civilians have become increasingly common in Ukrainian media. Negative narratives surrounding mobilization efforts often circulate rapidly on social media, which Ukrainian military and government officials attribute to Russian psychological operations.
An incident involving Serhiy Kustodiyev during mobilization efforts in Dnipro highlights ongoing tensions between military authorities and civilians. Reports indicate that Kustodiyev fell and sustained serious injuries while being pursued by recruitment officials, raising questions about the conduct of mobilization activities.
Source: Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty