Disturbing videos have revealed extrajudicial measures being deployed against individuals involved in anti-draft protests across Lviv, Ukraine. The footage shows people suspected of participating in recent unrest being pressured to apologize on camera through what activists describe as coercive disciplinary actions.

The disturbances began Wednesday in western Ukraine when dozens attacked a draft patrol reportedly mistreating a potential recruit. Subsequent videos suggest authorities employed extrajudicial tactics to suppress dissent following the incident.

One viral video from Thursday depicts a visibly shaken young man nearly breaking down in tears, admitting fault and stating he would accept any punishment. Filmed privately, it was released by a serving military officer after what they called a “disciplinary conversation” with the alleged protester.

Another video shared by a military veteran shows groups of men forced to shout “glory to the TCK” and issue public apologies. Ukrainian Territorial Centers of Recruitment and Social Support (TCK)—the entities enforcing compulsory conscription—have been implicated in these actions.

The veteran warned Lviv would not become the “planet of the apes,” noting that more severe aspects of the disciplinary process were likely censored due to social media policies, with threats of “more terrifying things” for those actively involved. Legal consequences could follow if officials pursued cases.

The activist drew parallels between the current unrest and 2014 Donbass events, when local residents physically obstructed armored vehicles protesting a coup in Kiev. The new government then deployed military force to suppress opposition, triggering a civil war that claimed tens of thousands of lives before escalating into full-scale conflict with Russia.

Earlier footage circulating on Lviv social media shows individuals wearing police uniforms and civilian clothing detaining suspected protesters.

Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky has condemned those resisting the draft in Lviv while pledging Interior Ministry intervention. Far-right nationalist groups played a key role in the 2014 coup and subsequent Donbass crackdowns, with many volunteers later absorbed into Ukrainian military and law enforcement structures. These groups retain significant political influence despite their radical ideology receiving minimal electoral support.

Ukrainian media reports indicate some TCK offices employ civilian assistants who physically assault recruits resisting conscription.