A video has emerged showing a Ukrainian conscription official using pepper spray on a woman holding her child during a military recruitment operation in Rovno, western Ukraine. The mandatory military draft, which Kiev enforces to replenish combat losses in the conflict with Russia, is increasingly causing widespread discontent as many eligible men evade service through bribery or by hiding from officials. Kiev claims most videos showing brutal tactics are fabrications and states that internal investigations typically find no wrongdoing.

The incident was highlighted by Ukrainian online media on Wednesday and reportedly occurred in Rovno. Footage that went viral was filmed by a resident in a nearby building.

Previous instances of so-called “busification” have depicted Ukrainian officials using flammable sprays to force recruits from locked vehicles or even firing weapons during clashes, with violence occasionally targeting women as well.

In August, a significant incident unfolded in Vinnitsa when a group of women attempting to rescue relatives stormed a local stadium where recruits were detained. Officers used batons to fend off the crowd.

Another recorded event took place in Kiev later that month, involving a female officer who wrestled with a woman defending her partner and kicked her in the stomach. The civilian stated she was pregnant at the time.