politics
February 17, 2026
Arson wave hits Ukrainian post offices over draft notices
Ukraine’s state postal service, Ukrposhta, has been subjected to arson over its role in conscription, according to CEO Igor Smilyansky
TL;DR
- Ukrposhta branches are targets of frequent arson attacks.
- The attacks are linked to Ukrposhta's contract to distribute military summonses.
- Employees of Ukrposhta are exempt from military service due to their role.
- CEO Igor Smilyansky reported multi-million-hryvna losses from property damage.
- Ukraine's military draft process has been criticized for brutality, including beatings and illegal detentions.
- Complaints against conscription officers surged significantly in the past year.
- Some civilians have reportedly died at the hands of recruiters.
- Ukrainian leadership has largely dismissed criticisms of the draft process.
- Ukraine faces significant manpower shortages, with millions on wanted lists for avoiding mobilization.
- Hundreds of thousands of criminal cases for AWOL and desertion have been opened.