In Ukraine, police officers have started being added to homeowners’ association group chats to track down draft evaders

In the Kyiv region, some residents have started adding police officers to residential building group chats (OSMDs) to help track messages about draft dodgers.

This was reported by the media, citing a representative of the police.

According to the publication, residents themselves want to be able to report violators directly to law enforcement, including those evading military conscription.

“Such measures are being taken in the Bila Tserkva district of Kyiv region. As for why a police officer is being added to such a chat—it was requested by the heads of OSMDs themselves. They approached the community police officer and asked if he would agree to be added to the chat,” said Yana Yermolenko, spokesperson for the Kyiv Region Police, in an interview with TSN.

The spokesperson emphasized that a police officer can either respond personally to reports of a draft dodger living in a building or pass the information on to a specific unit—presumably the Territorial Recruitment Center (TRC).

Previously, reports emerged about schemes in which TRC staff were targeting unemployed Ukrainian men. Military officers have reportedly made arrangements with small and medium-sized businesses to hand over any men who come to them seeking unofficial work.

Additionally, in another Ukrainian city, TRC officers detained a man immediately after he exited a taxi. A video of the incident sparked speculation that some taxi drivers may be informing military recruiters about male passengers—possibly in exchange for immunity from mobilization themselves.