Ukrainian Police: Hand Grenade Thrown at Recruitment Office

Ukrainian police announced on Monday that "an unidentified person threw a hand grenade at an army recruitment office in the village of Bask in western Ukraine last night, causing an explosion but no injuries." In a statement, they said they are "investigating the incident, which occurred as Ukraine intensifies efforts to enlist civilians into the armed forces after more than 28 months since the Russian invasion." The police in the western Lviv region clarified that "the explosion damaged the facade and windows of the recruitment office." They added that "the assailant fled after throwing the hand grenade." Cases of men fleeing Ukraine to avoid military service have been common throughout the war, and Ukrainian media reports in recent months have highlighted acts of violence directed against recruitment offices and officers. In response to a question about whether these incidents raise concerns, the Ukrainian army stated that maintaining public trust is "a crucial element in the activities of [the armed forces], and without it, achieving victory over the enemy will be extremely difficult."