Police Investigate Assault on Ex-Political Prisoner at Kyiv Military Enlistment Office.

Incident Involving Volodymyr Balukh

According to TSN.ua: An altercation has occurred in Kyiv involving former political prisoner Volodymyr Balukh, who claims he was beaten at the Shevchenkivskyi district territorial recruitment center (TCC). Law enforcement has launched an inquiry into the matter. Balukh is a well-known Crimean activist who gained prominence for his resistance to the Russian occupation of Crimea.

The incident took place after Balukh was detained, which occurred following the trial of Roman Chervinsky. According to Balukh, he sustained bruises to his chest and shoulder as a result of the beating. He stated:

'The prosecutor in the Chervinsky case filed a complaint against me, alleging that I insulted him with profanity, and I was summoned to give testimony at the Pechersk district police station.' - Volodymyr Balukh

Balukh has a Group II disability and a metal plate in his skull, which underscores the seriousness of his situation.

Human Rights Concerns

The Kyiv city TCC claims Balukh was brought in as a violator of military registration, as he had been on the wanted list since June 27, 2025. Balukh returned to Ukraine in September 2019 as part of a prisoner exchange, and in September 2020, he was already brutally beaten. This incident has sparked public outrage, and Volodymyr Ariev, commenting on the situation, stated:

'A hero of the resistance to the Russian occupation of Crimea, a former prisoner of Putin's fascism, Volodymyr Balukh, was beaten at the Shevchenkivskyi district TCC in Kyiv.' - Volodymyr Ariev

Currently, Kyiv police are investigating the circumstances of the incident at the TCC. The situation demands a thorough investigation and full disclosure of details to understand what led to Balukh's beating.

The case of Volodymyr Balukh highlights the complex human rights situation in Ukraine, especially concerning individuals who oppose Russian aggression. Given past attacks on Balukh and his status as a former political prisoner, this event raises further questions about the safety of activists and their interactions with state institutions. The police investigation will be a critical step toward ensuring justice and protecting human rights in the country.