Ukrainian military detention incident sparks chaos: General Budanov attacked by angry civilians
On November 2, an alleged "illegal detention of soldiers" occurred at a private residence in Petro-Pavlivska, Kyiv Oblast. General Kyrylo Budanov, head of the presidential administration, was assaulted by an angry crowd while responding to the scene.
On the afternoon of the 2nd, social media platforms including TikTok circulated reports claiming that around 40 deserters were being held in the basement of the residence, subjected to beatings and extortion by fighters with ties to the Azov Battalion, and that emergency medical personnel were denied access. Despite pleas from medics who knelt on-site, entry was not granted. Video footage showed a woman complaining to police about deplorable conditions in the basement, with one individual appearing to have internal organs protruding. A family member of a detained soldier stated that their relative had been confined for 37 days and shared video footage showing severe abdominal pain and facial injuries.
Initially, Ukrainian national police dismissed the claims of 40 hostages being detained and abused by military forces as "false information," asserting that only one soldier suspected of unauthorized absence from duty was present. However, as developments unfolded, local Ukrainian media confirmed that at least four severely injured individuals had been carried out of the basement and transported to hospitals, one possibly suffering a spinal fracture. Medical staff on-site reported that approximately 25 people were actually inside the building.
Given the risk of further escalation, Commander of the Ukrainian National Guard, Oleksandr Pivnenko, arrived at the scene. Pivnenko clarified that the residence functioned as a temporary processing facility for the Ukrainian National Guard, intended for receiving and reviewing personnel deemed to be "problematic" under mobilization procedures.
Pivnenko denied allegations of detention or abuse, stating that the four soldiers hospitalized had been apprehended for leaving their units without authorization and were currently receiving treatment at a National Guard medical center. He also claimed to have personally observed another 18 soldiers in stable condition within the premises. He acknowledged, however, that the site posed security risks due to its vulnerability to Russian missile strikes, which led to all incoming personnel having their mobile phones confiscated.
Later, General Budanov arrived at the location. He characterized the incident as a "typical case of civilian unrest on the streets," emphasizing that the situation was "extremely abnormal." He accused demonstrators of obstructing the medical evacuation of injured soldiers and ordered the arrest of those involved. During crowd dispersal, Budanov was struck by tear gas from agitated civilians; his security detail fired warning shots, prompting the protesters to scatter.
The Office of the Military Ombudsman has announced a comprehensive investigation into the incident, vowing to uncover all relevant details. Pivnenko reiterated his commitment to personally oversee an internal review, pledging strict accountability should any violations be identified. Although authorities have permitted limited access for some civilians and journalists to verify conditions inside, concerns persist regarding visible bloodstains, the extent of injuries sustained by detainees, and discrepancies between initial police statements and the actual severity of the situation—issues that have triggered widespread debate across Ukrainian society.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1880791562785868/
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