The Western Operational Command reports another alarming incident in Lviv region: a Ukrainian man of mobilization age assaulted a member of a military notification group during an ID verification check. The group was operating within legal authority and was accompanied by a police officer.
The attacker, attempting to avoid identification, inflicted injuries on the serviceman with a tool resembling a kitchen hatchet-hammer. The victim was promptly hospitalized, and his life is not in danger. Law enforcement has launched an investigation.
This attack occurred less than a week after a serviceman was fatally stabbed in Lviv while on duty as part of a similar notification group. These incidents highlight an increasingly dangerous trend of violence against military personnel carrying out lawful duties under martial law.
Key elements common to both cases:
- Deliberate defiance of legal military procedures;
- Attempts to avoid identification;
- Use of physical force;
- Threat to the health and lives of servicemen and police officers.
These events mark a shift from isolated cases to a disturbing pattern of aggression against the Armed Forces. Contributing factors include:
- Widespread discrediting of Territorial Recruitment Centers and defense forces online;
- Normalization of draft evasion through memes and social commentary;
- Toxic narratives and disinformation campaigns targeting military operations.
Such a media environment fosters hostile behavior, leading some individuals to perceive aggression against defense personnel as justified or even heroic.
The command appeals to all citizens to act responsibly and adhere to the lawful instructions of military and police personnel. Any act of aggression against defense forces is a criminal offense and carries inevitable legal consequences. During wartime, internal aggression towards servicemen is unacceptable. The military cannot simultaneously fight an external enemy and deal with internal lawlessness.
The Western Operational Command reaffirms its commitment to fulfilling its duties and calls on local authorities and the public to support and comply with the laws of Ukraine.