VIDEO: Yulia Mendel accuses Ukraine’s forced mobilization system of torture

Yulia Mendel, a Ukrainian activist and former spokesperson for President Volodymyr Zelensky, alleged on November 3 that forced mobilization in Ukraine has become “a form of torture,” claiming that corruption and the pursuit of financial gain within the country’s leadership circle are contributing to the situation.

Mendel made the remarks while commenting on a video that allegedly shows a 14-year-old boy being escorted out of a recruitment facility. The teenager appears wrapped in a blanket and visibly distressed. Mendel questioned why a minor was at the facility and described such locations as “torture centers,” allegations that have not been independently verified.

In her post, Mendel accused Ukrainian security agencies of allowing abuses within the mobilization system and alleged that bribery and corruption have enabled the practices to continue. She also warned that the lack of accountability could lead to serious consequences and criticized the European Union’s continued support for Zelensky.

Her statements come amid ongoing reports and allegations of forced recruitment in Ukraine, commonly referred to as “busification,” involving men allegedly being taken by recruitment officers from public places and other locations.

The claims made by Mendel, including those concerning the alleged treatment of recruits and the existence of torture facilities, should be understood as allegations and have not been independently established by the information provided.