More than 100 people gathered outside a private home in the village of Petropavlovskaya Borshchagovka, Kyiv region, on November 2, following social media claims that dozens of mobilized soldiers and deserters were being unlawfully detained. Ukrainian authorities denied the allegations, but the incident has sparked official investigations.
Did You Know? A woman who claimed to represent a defunct private ambulance service, “Med-Prestizh,” which ceased operations in 2023, was identified as the source of the initial allegations about detained soldiers.
Conflicting Accounts Emerge
Residents and military family members alleged that men were being held against their will and subjected to violence inside the building, with reports of up to 40 individuals in a basement. However, the Kyiv Regional Police stated the property housed military personnel from the National Guard, denying claims of unlawful detention, deaths, or abuse.
Officers confirmed that the site held mobilized troops and soldiers detained for self‑leaving their unit (SОCH), awaiting reassignment. A National Guard commander, Alexander Pivnenko, said four soldiers were hospitalized with injuries.
Escalation and Official Responses
Clashes between protesters and security forces intensified by evening, with reports of damaged National Guard buses and police vehicles. Protesters blocked exits from the property, while authorities evacuated individuals from the site. Kirill Budanov, head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, called the situation a “classic street protest,” urging investigations into the circumstances.
A National Guard statement emphasized their commitment to “establishing the true circumstances” and holding violators accountable if found.
Expert Insight: The incident highlights tensions between military authorities and civilian populations amid ongoing conflict, with allegations of misconduct often met with official denials. The involvement of a discredited ambulance service in spreading claims underscores the challenges of verifying information during crises.
Кирило Буданов біля будинку з військовослужбовцями Національної гвардії в селі Петропавлівська Борщагівка Київської області. pic.twitter.com/vbKlrUDwnf
Unverified Claims and Official Denials
Local media reported that 25-30 individuals were inside the building, with four hospitalized. However, police sources later stated only one person was detained, citing a “miscalculation” in initial reports. The National Guard’s 1st Corps “Aзов” dismissed the “40 detainees” claim as a “fake,” noting that the site was a temporary holding facility for soldiers awaiting reassignment.
Journalists from “Ukrainska Pravda” reported gunfire and clashes at the scene. The military ombudsman, Olga Reshetilova, confirmed an investigation into the incident, emphasizing the need for transparency.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people were reported to be detained?
Initial claims cited 40 individuals, but police sources later suggested only one person was detained, with conflicting reports of 25-30 people inside the building.
What role did the National Guard play?
The National Guard stated the property housed soldiers detained for self‑leaving their unit, with four hospitalized. They denied allegations of unlawful detention or abuse.
Who spread the initial allegations?
A 49-year-old woman, Valentina Moloda, claimed to represent the defunct “Med-Prestizh” ambulance service, which ceased operations in 2023. Her statements were later discredited by the service’s owner.
What long-term implications could this incident have for military-civilian relations in Ukraine?
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