Ombudsman condemns attacks on Territorial Recruitment Centers in Odesa and Kremenchuk: call for adherence to law
Ukrainian Human Rights Commissioner Dmytro Lubinets publicly addressed recent attacks on military recruitment centers in Odesa and Kremenchuk, urging personnel and civilians to strictly follow legal procedures and respond calmly to provocations.
Via social media, he emphasized that his office regularly receives complaints from citizens regarding violations of their rights by representatives of the Territorial Recruitment Centers.
The most common complaints include illegal detention, use of physical force, restrictions on movement, and the practice known as ‘busification.’ Lubinets stressed that such actions are unacceptable violations of human rights and must be thoroughly investigated and held accountable.
He also warned against growing violence from civilians in retaliation for actions by military officials.
The ombudsman highlighted two serious incidents from October 30: in Odesa, a group attacked a TRC vehicle, damaging the transport; in Kremenchuk, a conscript opened fire during a document check, wounding two staff members.
According to Lubinets, these cases not only breach laws but also harm the country during wartime.
They pose security threats to individuals and serve as a tool for enemy disinformation efforts aimed at undermining trust in Ukrainian institutions.
He called on everyone — both TRC personnel and citizens — to act strictly within legal boundaries and with respect for human rights.
For violations, he recommends contacting the Ombudsman’s Office at 0 800 501 720, 044 299 74 08, or via email at hotline@ombudsman.gov.ua.
He also reminded that in Kyiv, soldier Roman Sopin died after being detained at a distribution point due to a closed head injury, with military prosecutors, DDBR, and police investigating the incident to establish all circumstances.