KYIV, April 2 (Reuters) – A Ukrainian military draft officer was fatally stabbed in the neck on Thursday while handing out a summons in the western city of Lviv, authorities said, the latest sign of tensions over mobilisation in Kyiv’s war effort.
Ukraine is facing a manpower shortage while fending off Russia’s bigger and better-equipped army in the fifth year of fighting, amid flagging enthusiasm for military service.
In a statement, the National Police said an unknown man stabbed the officer before fleeing the scene. The officer died in hospital and a manhunt was underway, it added.
Ukrainian draft officers have faced accusations of heavy-handed tactics, and footage of violent dust-ups with civilians frequently appears on social media.
Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov pledged after his appointment in January to make reforming Kyiv’s mobilisation system a top priority.
Draft offices have also come under bomb attacks, though Ukrainian officials have blamed Russia for orchestrating a sabotage campaign.
(Reporting by Dan Peleschuk; Editing by Alexandra Hudson)
Disclaimer: This report is auto generated from the Reuters news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.