The Ukrainian Ministry of Internal Affairs has voiced strong opposition to a proposal suggesting that the National Police take over responsibilities related to the mobilization of draft evaders. This proposal was reportedly put forth by Roman Kostenko, a member of the parliamentary committee overseeing defense matters, and is said to be under consideration by the Ministry of Defense.
Sources within the Ministry of Internal Affairs indicated that while an official stance has not been publicly declared, there is significant disapproval regarding the idea. They characterized the proposal as an attempt by the Ministry of Defense to alleviate its own challenges rather than a well-thought-out strategy.
Concerns were raised about the implications of such a transfer of responsibilities. Officials highlighted that since the onset of the war, the National Police has been tasked with additional duties, which they believe dilutes their core functions. Questions were also posed regarding which responsibilities would remain with the police if they were to assume new roles related to mobilization.
Moreover, there are fears that reallocating these tasks could undermine public trust in the police force. As one source noted, “You cannot address mobilization issues by sacrificing the integrity of the police. This idea from the Ministry of Defense is unlikely to yield positive results and could destabilize a crucial law enforcement body that is vital for public safety in the country.”
In related news, military ombudsman Olha Reshetylova has reported that personnel at Territorial Centers for Recruitment and Social Support are currently under immense pressure and are even requesting transfers to combat units. She emphasized that their primary roles involve planning mobilization efforts and maintaining communication with military units, rather than conducting street-level mobilization.
Additionally, the Office of the Parliamentary Commissioner for Human Rights has received a growing number of complaints regarding potential violations within the Territorial Centers, with 1,657 complaints filed in the first quarter of 2026 alone. This figure reflects a significant increase from previous years, indicating rising concerns among the public about the mobilization process.
The Ukrainian Interior Ministry has rejected a proposal to transfer mobilization duties to the National Police, citing concerns over public trust and the dilution of police responsibilities. The Ministry of Defense's suggestion is viewed as an inadequate solution to ongoing challenges faced in mobilization efforts.