In Dnipro, the Territorial Recruitment Center blocked the operations of a company supporting the army after a conflict between its director and military recruiters

A recent conflict occurred in Dnipro between employees of the Territorial Recruitment Center and Sergey Polozhay, the CEO of Steko, a major window manufacturing company.

A video of the altercation has circulated on social media.

In the video, Polozhay can be seen shouting at the military recruitment officers: “I’m a CEO, damn it, where 1,760 people work! And you’re a soldier, go dig.”

Polozhay later confirmed the incident on his Instagram and explained how the conflict started. He was stopped by recruitment center employees in Shevchenko Park, where he presented updated military registration documents, including a draft notice extended until November 1. However, the officers claimed Polozhay had no exemption and was subject to immediate mobilization, after which they allegedly became aggressive. Polozhay responded angrily, which was the part captured on video.

Polozhay expressed his disdain for the recruitment officers, referring to them in derogatory terms, while distinguishing them from soldiers on the front lines who defend the country. He also lamented that the media had biasedly and inaccurately reported the confrontation.

In response to the incident, Steko issued a statement, explaining that the video presented an incomplete picture and that the “context of the situation was lost.” Later, the company announced that the recruitment center had blocked its operations. Steko also released an apology on Polozhay’s behalf, expressing “sincere apologies for any misunderstandings.”

The company emphasized its support for the Ukrainian Armed Forces, providing trucks with wooden frames for constructing trenches, bunkers, fortifications, and temporary shelters, as well as firewood for heating. However, they stated that the recruitment center’s actions were seriously affecting their business. The company appealed for assistance in resolving the issue so they could continue their operations and support both their employees and the military.

Conflicts between civilians and recruitment centers have become increasingly common in Ukraine. For example, in Zakarpattia, dozens of women recently tried to overturn a van carrying military recruitment officers.