Questions have emerged over the treatment of mobilised men and military personnel in Ukraine after allegations of illegal detention and torture at a National Guard facility in Petropavlivska Borshchahivka, a village on the outskirts of Kyiv.
On Nov 2, videos and claims circulated on social media alleging that men were being illegally held, beaten and tortured by Ukrainian National Guard personnel inside a private residence being used as a temporary military deployment facility.
The allegations triggered a confrontation outside the building, with local residents gathering to demand access to the premises and the release of those allegedly being held inside.
According to the National Guard's 1st Corps, Azov, the building was a temporary deployment site where newly mobilised personnel and servicemen who had returned after unauthorised absence from their military units (AWOL) were being processed while awaiting assignment to units and further service.
Shocking footage is now coming out from near Kyiv where locals found a basement where 40 mobilized Ukrainians where tortured by the Ukrainian National Guard including teenagers. The boy in the shot was 14 years old. Protests have erupted and have begun throwing eggs and demanding answers from authorities. Forced conscription, government plundering of state funds, perpetual wars with Russia and now torturing of Ukranians. Where is the outrage of Pro Ukranians?
— Voice of Freedom 2.0 🇿🇦 🇵🇸 🇾🇪 (@capemalay3) November 3, 2026
Protests Outside the Facility
Videos from the scene show protesters confronting police and National Guard personnel, throwing eggs at them and attempting to enter the premises. The crowd reportedly broke through a brick wall while demanding access to the building.
Authorities subsequently used tear gas and fired warning shots into the air to disperse the crowd. National Guard reinforcements were also deployed to the location as tensions escalated.
The situation attracted senior officials, including National Guard Commander Oleksandr Pivnenko, who arrived at the scene and addressed the allegations.
Pivnenko confirmed that National Guard personnel were staying inside the building, explaining that the premises were being used as temporary accommodation and a deployment point. He also confirmed that four servicemen who had returned after unauthorised absence required medical attention and were hospitalised.
Injuries and Investigation
When questioned about the injured personnel, including reports of a man suffering a spinal injury, Pivnenko said that he did not yet know the circumstances that had led to the injuries. He indicated that the events would be examined and that an investigation would establish what had happened.
The National Guard's 1st Corps, Azov, also announced an internal investigation into the incident, stating that the objective was to establish the actual circumstances and determine whether any violations had taken place. It said that any personnel found responsible for unlawful actions would be held accountable.
Police and Ambulance Response
According to Kyiv Regional Police, officers arrived at the location after receiving a call from a private ambulance service reporting that its medical personnel were being prevented from reaching a man who required medical assistance.
Police said they were responding to the medical emergency and denied initial social media reports that dozens of people were being unlawfully held hostage or that someone had died at the location.
Ukraine's Military Ombudsman Olha Reshetylova also confirmed that her office was working at the scene alongside the National Guard command. She said a search was being conducted to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and that the servicemen were safe and receiving medical assistance.
The State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) and the Office of the Military Ombudsman were also involved in examining the circumstances. Interior Minister Ihor Vyhivskyi ordered an official investigation into the conditions in which the servicemen were being housed.
Growing Public Distrust Amid Prolonged War
The incident comes amid continuing concerns over Ukraine's military mobilisation system, the treatment of military personnel and the pressures created by a prolonged war. also allegations say that one of the people found in the facility was 14 y/o boy.
The confrontation also highlights tensions surrounding the country's increasingly demanding mobilisation process, with allegations of mistreatment and unlawful detention raising questions about accountability within military structures.
Comments