Bus driver from Chernivtsi who insulted soldiers loses deferment and is mobilized

A bus driver from Chernivtsi who publicly called Ukrainian soldiers “fools” was fired from his job following the scandal and then mobilized — as his deferment from conscription was tied to his position.

This was reported by Tetyana Haidashchuk, press secretary of the Chernivtsi Regional Territorial Recruitment and Social Support Center, to ZAXID.NET.

According to Haidashchuk, the driver had a deferment from mobilization, but lost it after being dismissed. In accordance with the law, he was called up for service and sent to one of the military units for training.

The scandal erupted after a video spread on social media showing the driver arguing with passengers on a Chernivtsi bus. During the altercation, he stated that soldiers “are fighting for Zelensky’s bandits,” “because they are fools,” and “want to themselves.” His remarks concerned both the soldiers themselves and their families.

After the recording spread widely, the man was fired from his job. Police opened an investigation on charges of hooliganism. The driver subsequently publicly apologized for his words and admitted he had been wrong.

BBC published three stories of Ukrainian soldiers in connection with this topic. The first is about Pavlo, who fought in Donbas, was wounded near Bakhmut, and after the amputation of his arm became a commissioned officer. According to the outlet, he finds it difficult to understand why men in Ukraine evade mobilization. The second story is about Serhiy, who survived occupation in Kakhovka and torture at the hands of Russian soldiers; he subsequently managed to travel to Ukrainian-controlled territory and joined the ranks of the Defense Forces. The third story is about Vladyslav, who was killed near Bakhmut in June 2023. His mother said her son died doing the right thing.