During a session of Ukraine’s Parliament on May 13, Human Rights Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets reported a staggering 333-fold increase in complaints related to mobilization compared to the previous year. He emphasized the need for immediate action to address these issues.
Lubinets stated, “The most pressing issue I have encountered in 2025 is mobilization. Honorable members of Parliament, the number of appeals to me regarding violations of citizens’ rights linked to mobilization has risen dramatically.” He noted that he has received over 6,000 complaints, highlighting ongoing concerns about the treatment of citizens during the mobilization process.
He criticized the continued use of illegal force and violence, stating that there have been instances of civilians being killed within Territorial Recruitment Centers (TRCs). Lubinets expressed frustration that previous directives aimed at improving the mobilization process have not been effectively implemented.
“Unlike many who publicly argue that we cannot change this system amid full-scale war, I strongly disagree,” Lubinets asserted. He called for the establishment of a working group at the Ministry of Defense, which would include representatives from his office and Parliament to urgently address these concerns.
Lubinets added, “We have a solution to urgently change this situation. Citizens of Ukraine should feel safe in TRCs and military service points, not the opposite.”
In related developments, Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov announced at the end of March that his team is preparing changes to the mobilization process, including addressing issues related to desertion and specific approaches for assault troops and infantry regarding service terms and pay.
On May 1, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed plans for a reform initiative set to begin in June, which will include salary increases for military personnel. The Ministry of Defense later indicated that they are working on systematic solutions to rectify mistakes made during military medical commissions and to enhance the quality of mobilization resources.
Dmytro Lubinets, Ukraine's Human Rights Ombudsman, has reported a significant surge in mobilization-related complaints, urging immediate reforms to protect citizens' rights. He criticized the current system and called for a dedicated working group to address these pressing issues.