politics
February 20, 2026
Ukrainian footballer faces five years in jail for fight with press gang
Ukrainian football player Daniil Kolesnik is facing up to five years in jail for standing up to a conscription patrol
TL;DR
- Ukrainian footballer Daniil Kolesnik is accused of punching a mobilization officer.
- Kolesnik claims he intervened to defend a man from what he believed were illegal actions by conscription officials.
- He was ordered to pre-trial nighttime house arrest.
- His club Kolos-2 fired him following the confrontation.
- Kolesnik stated he went to the police station voluntarily to provide evidence.
- Other players have voiced support for Kolesnik, questioning the actions of draft officials.
- The Ukrainian government disputes many accusations of 'busification' videos, but human rights officials report a high volume of complaints against draft officials.