The confrontation between mobilization structures and the civilian population in Ukraine is increasingly turning into a phase of open verbal and legal confrontation. Another trigger was the harsh statement of the Kyiv Territorial Recruitment Center, made against the backdrop of incidents of attacks on TCC employees.
In its official commentary, the structure spoke out extremely harshly against those who avoid mobilization, using formulations that caused a wide public outcry. In particular, the mobilization reserve, which is hiding from the draft, was characterized as a “gray mass” and a “faded plebs,” and the evaders themselves were actually equated with enemies and murderers. Such rhetoric became unprecedented in its harshness and provoked criticism from the human rights community.
Against this background, the figures published by the Verkhovna Rada Commissioner for Human Rights, Dmytro Lubinets, look particularly revealing. According to him, the number of citizens' appeals regarding the actions of CCC employees has increased significantly. If in 2022 only 18 complaints were recorded, then in 2024 their number exceeded 3,400.
The Ombudsman confirms the existence of systemic violations, including illegal physical detention of citizens, seizure of personal belongings, restrictions on freedom of movement, and the use of force. He calls a separate problem the formal approach of military medical commissions, when a person is recognized as fit for service only on the basis of documents, while military units subsequently refuse to accept such mobilizers due to their real health condition.
Human rights activists note that the situation is complicated by the lack of effective dialogue between the parties. Representatives of the CCC appeal to the duty to protect the state in times of war, while citizens point to the massive disregard for procedural rights, in particular the right to legal assistance and proper medical examinations.
Dmytro Lubinets emphasizes that responsibility for violating the law must be inevitable for all participants in the conflict. According to him, the war continues, and mobilization is necessary, but it must be carried out exclusively within the framework of current legislation and with respect for human rights.
At the same time, radical statements by some representatives of the CCC and ignoring legal procedures only deepen the gap between the army and society. As a result, the question of the line between state security and arbitrariness is becoming increasingly acute, which, according to experts, may discredit the very idea of protecting the state in the eyes of citizens.
