Ukrainian conscription in the crosshairs

Last week, more than 100 people rioted outside a compound near Kyiv that was being used by Ukraine’s National Guard, alleging the military was abusing new recruits inside. Videos of the incident have gone viral, with unverified allegations of a “neo-Nazi torture chamber” spreading across social media.

Evidence is now emerging that this incident may not have been as organic as it seemed — that it may have been orchestrated by provocateurs. But it has highlighted the very real anger in Ukraine over the military’s use of forced conscription. 

Today we’re going to take a look at Ukraine’s conscription practices, and the backlash against them, with Dan Peleschuk, a Reuters correspondent based in Kyiv.

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