Ukraine arrests woman over fake ‘torture chamber’ claims

A Ukrainian woman has been arrested after spreading false claims that dozens of men were being tortured at a military recruitment facility outside Kyiv, triggering violent clashes between protesters and police.

The woman, identified as Valentyna Moloda, 49, claimed that around 40 men evading military conscription were being held and abused inside a two-storey building in Petropavlivska-Borshchagivka. Her claims sparked a crowd of around 500 people, who threw eggs and tomatoes, damaged police vehicles and clashed with law enforcement.

However, Ukrainian authorities described the incident as a staged provocation. Officials said Moloda had visited the building three days before the incident to prepare for the operation. Four men were eventually allowed to leave the premises, including one whom she had claimed was seriously injured.

Moloda, who was not authorised to work as a paramedic, was arrested and placed in custody for 60 days without bail. Prosecutors alleged that she had previously provided fake rescue services for money and was hired to remove a deserter from the facility.

The incident also drew attention to Ukraine's controversial conscription practices, with reports of forced recruitment, abuse and corruption involving recruitment officers. Authorities have arrested dozens of officers over bribery allegations, while the scandal was also used by pro-Russian figures to criticise Ukraine's military mobilisation efforts.

- MaT