Protests and prayers over attempted conscription of priests

Parishioners gathered outside a military enlistment office in the Ukrainian city of Khust, after reports that two Ukrainian Orthodox Church priests were being forcefully conscripted. The priests, Father Vasily from Khust and Father Stepan from Odessa, allegedly had their phones confiscated and force used against them by enlistment officers.

Following the news of the conscriptions, parishioners gathered outside the office, holding mass prayers and singing as armed officers looked on, and blocking nearby roads in protest. The priests were eventually freed, but have reportedly been ordered to report back to the enlistment office in the coming days.