Clashes in Ukraine's Lviv highlight wartime tensions over draft

Authorities in Ukraine launched inquiries on Thursday into violent clashes in the western city of Lviv a day earlier over the country's military draft, the latest sign of wartime tensions over the call-up in the fifth year of the war with Russia.



Prosecutors said a group of people blocked on-duty draft officers late on Wednesday, overturning their car, in a fit of unrest that led to broader scuffles with police and service members.



Ukraine's General Staff strongly condemned the attack, but also said it would review the draft officers' conduct for any potential violations.



Footage aired by Ukraine's public broadcaster on Thursday showed crowds swarming vehicles in a darkened residential neighbourhood, chanting "Shame!" and tearing off the uniform of one of the officers.



The incident was the latest in a string of attacks on draft officers that has highlighted long-simmering anger over how the Ukrainian military is filling its ranks to fight a bigger and better-armed Russia.