The Ukrainian Human Rights Ombudsman, Dmytro Lubinets, has reported serious violations during a monitoring visit to the Uzhhorod Military Recruitment Center. The findings indicate that individuals have been detained for extended periods, with some held for as long as 50 days.
Lubinets noted that despite facing obstruction from officials, the monitoring team documented alarming conditions. He highlighted instances where veterans, including one displaying their service identification, were not released despite their status. Furthermore, individuals had their documents and phones confiscated without due process, undermining their right to legal protection.
The living conditions at the center were described as degrading. Lubinets stated that for 40 to 60 detainees, there were only three cups and eight metal plates available, forcing individuals to share food from a single container without proper sanitation. The facility reportedly had only one toilet and one shower for the entire group, and there was no bedding provided.
While acknowledging the necessity of mobilization due to ongoing conflict, Lubinets emphasized that all actions must adhere to legal standards. He warned that if significant changes are not made to the mobilization process and if staff at the recruitment centers do not face strict legal accountability for unlawful actions, the situation is likely to deteriorate further. This could lead to increased conflicts between citizens and recruitment center employees, as national defense cannot be built on gross violations of the Constitution.
Following the visit, a statement regarding potential criminal offenses under articles 146, 127, 344, and 426-1 of the Ukrainian Criminal Code was submitted.
Since the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, martial law has been enacted, leading to a general mobilization. The Ukrainian Parliament has extended martial law and mobilization every three months. Initially, restrictions were placed on the ability of military conscripts and reservists aged 18 to 60 to leave the country. However, changes to legislation in August 2025 allowed men under 22 to travel abroad, while mobilization for women in the Ukrainian Armed Forces remains voluntary.
Dmytro Lubinets, Ukraine's Human Rights Ombudsman, has reported significant violations at a military recruitment center, including prolonged detentions and poor living conditions. He calls for legal accountability in the mobilization process to prevent further deterioration of the situation.