Ternopil TRC will now involve combat units to notify city residents

Ternopil TRC will now involve combat units to notify city residents

After a series of high-profile cases of «mobilization» in Ternopil, the regional recruitment center has finally responded, stating that «notification measures» are now being conducted with new approaches and the involvement of combat units.

Although just yesterday, on October 13, the TRC assured journalists that they were not present near the shopping center, and as for the individuals in military uniforms, sneakers, and balaclavas, this structure supposedly had no knowledge of who they were.

The official statement was published on the page of Ternopil Regional TCC SP on the morning of October 14.

What the TRC is saying now

— In the conditions of a full-scale war, defending the state is not only a constitutional duty but also a matter of honor and dignity. Every citizen of Ukraine of mobilization age must realize their personal responsibility to their loved ones, community, and country, which today is defending its existence. The ongoing armed aggression by the Russian Federation requires constant strengthening of the state’s defense capabilities. And yes, human capital in the context of mobilization measures is crucial, which is why the Armed Forces of Ukraine are conducting mobilization measures with new approaches and involving combat units in the process of notifying citizens. Such groups are formed from servicemen with combat experience who are respected among their comrades and society. Their participation in these measures helps increase trust in the mobilization process and ensures compliance with the law, as we remind you that all notification measures are carried out in cooperation with National Police officers and other law enforcement agencies, — the TRC stated.

The center noted that the widespread notion in society that “only the poor fight” does not correspond to reality.

— On the front lines, Ukrainians from all regions and social strata serve: entrepreneurs, teachers, IT specialists, farmers, doctors, and so on. They are different, but united by a common goal — to preserve the country. Unfortunately, some citizens of Ukraine try to avoid mobilization by citing status or connections, or other “clever” actions in their view that supposedly “protect” them from mobilization. Such steps not only violate military registration legislation but also show disrespect to those already on the front lines, who give others the opportunity to prepare, become stronger, and more confident, — the statement reads.

The TRC reminded that mobilization measures are conducted not only in public places but also where socially active youth of mobilization age, businessmen, and representatives of active communities are present (yes, including restaurants and nightclubs). According to TRC representatives, this helps ensure equality before the law and debunks the myth of “unequal mobilization.”

— During martial law, there are no absolute exceptions to mobilization; only legal grounds for deferment, reservation, or exemption from military service are decisive. Compliance with military registration is not a formality but part of the collective defense that directly affects the safety of every Ukrainian man and woman. We call on all citizens of mobilization age to responsibly fulfill their duties, update their military registration data in a timely manner, and support the Armed Forces. Everyone who conscientiously performs their duty helps bring closer the day of Victory — the day when we can say: we endured because we acted together, — the recruitment center added.

Previously, they claimed they had nothing to do with it

Journalists from «20 Minutes» reached out for a comment to the Ternopil Regional TRC and SS on October 13. We asked who exactly was working near «Ornava» and for what reasons a man was blocked in a car.

They responded that their «employees are not here.» They did not disclose who these people in military uniforms and balaclavas were.

The police were also tight-lipped. They said they «ensure public order» to prevent clashes between military personnel and civilians. If the TRC officially states that these are not their employees blocking cars, then who are they? And what kind of order were the police ensuring, who, judging by what the journalists saw at the scene, clearly knew who was «working,» as they took no action to identify the individuals in uniform?

Journalists from «20 Minutes» received information from their own verified sources that «recruitment» in Ternopil has been carried out for several weeks by fighters from one of the brigades. We have previously reported on several cases of such «street mobilization,» such as the altercation near the Ternopil Pond embankment, a car chase with smashed windows, or shots fired at the tires of a civilian vehicle. All these incidents are linked by the presence of individuals in military uniforms and balaclavas. By the way, as we noticed, many of them wear regular sports sneakers, casual shoes, and colorful socks on display, which is surprising.

As the TRC previously mentioned, they «assume that these are not TRC employees, as they wear pixel uniforms and no balaclavas.» Supposedly, brigades may directly engage in recruitment. And this seems to be one of such operations.

Sources of the editorial team report that these events may involve members of a public organization that is part of and serves as the ideological wing of one of the brigades (we know exactly which one — ed. note). Journalists reached out to the press service to confirm or refute this information. However, the press officer said she would not comment on this independently and advised submitting a formal request.

In recruitment centers of various brigades, we were assured: «No military unit, except for the TRC and SP, has the authority to conduct notifications or mobilization measures among the civilian population.»

How recruitment should be conducted

In a comment for «20 Minutes,» local lawyer Olena Stepanova explained the details of recruitment and the legal procedure for notifying those liable for military service.

— Only police officers or representatives of the territorial recruitment and social support center, who are authorized to issue summonses, have the right to check documents, — says Olena Stepanova. — In the border zone, controlled border areas, and at checkpoints across the state border of Ukraine, representatives of the State Border Guard Service or their structural units may additionally check military registration documents.

An authorized representative of the TRC and SS is obliged to state their last name, first name, patronymic, position, and present an official ID of a person authorized to issue summonses, along with a Ukrainian passport (officer’s ID, military ticket), says the lawyer.

— Thus, a person liable for military service must show military registration documents to an authorized TRC and SS representative — after they introduce themselves and show their ID, — says Olena Stepanova. — The ID must be that of a person authorized to issue summonses, not just any official ID of a TRC and SS employee. Only in case of a violation of military registration rules by the person liable for service does the senior member of the notification group propose that the citizen proceed to the district (city) TRC and SS, for which a summons is issued and filled out, indicating the reason for inviting the person liable for service to the TRC and SS.

If a person liable for service refuses to accept the summons, a report is drawn up, the lawyer noted.

The regulation on recruitment centers of the Armed Forces of Ukraine was approved by the Cabinet of Ministers’ Resolution dated May 16, 2024, No. 564. Paragraph 5 outlines the tasks assigned to the Recruitment Center, which deals with selecting citizens suitable for contract military service or during mobilization. They update military registration data, conduct interviews, testing, and accompany candidates to medical examinations. The centers also promote service through advocacy, information campaigns, and collaboration with the media. Their task is to help a person choose a military specialty, prepare documents, and direct them to the appropriate unit or training center.

Legislation stipulates that only a police officer who is part of a notification group can detain a person liable for service if they refuse to proceed to the TRC and SS, explained lawyer Olena Stepanova.

— In the case of such detention, a protocol of administrative detention must be drawn up, relatives or the management of the enterprise where the detained person works must be notified, and the center for providing free secondary legal aid must be informed, explained Olena Stepanova.

Combat units are not authorized to conduct mobilization measures, the lawyer notes. And they should not be present during recruitment or other activities in rear cities.