The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine is considering a significant shift in the mobilization process by increasing the role of the National Police. Under the proposed changes, police officers could be authorized to open criminal cases against individuals listed as “wanted,” subsequently detaining them and delivering them to Territorial Recruitment Centers (TCC).
Proposed Shift in Administrative Responsibility
A key element of the proposal involves transferring administrative responsibility from the TCC to the police. This would allow police officers to directly compile administrative materials for individuals who have been flagged as “wanted.”
To facilitate this, data from the “Obereh” system—including names, addresses and phone numbers of several hundred thousand individuals—would be shared with law enforcement. This would enable the police to actively search for these individuals rather than relying on chance encounters.
Current vs. Proposed Procedures
Currently, if a citizen is listed as “wanted” in the “Rezerv+” app due to an ignored summons or a failure to undergo a medical commission, police do not specifically search for them. Such individuals are typically only identified if they are stopped for a routine document check.
Under the current system, whereas police may stop an individual, the administrative protocol is issued by a TCC employee. The proposed reform would shift this authority, allowing the police to handle the protocol process directly.
Legal Hurdles and Official Responses
Implementation of these measures would not be immediate, as it would require specific amendments to the Criminal Code and the Criminal Procedure Code. Without these legislative changes, the proposed active search and detention mechanism cannot be legally enacted.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs has not provided an official comment on these developments. Sources within the ministry suggest that officials there may have limited information regarding the specific changes planned for the mobilization process.
Broad Transformation Efforts
These proposals are part of a wider transformation aimed at improving mobilization and service conditions within the Defense Forces of Ukraine. Minister of Defense Mykhailo Fedorov has stated that this reform consists of 30 projects, with the first 10 nearly ready for launch.
Fedorov noted that his time in office has revealed systemic “diseases” within the system that have remained untreated for decades, necessitating these comprehensive changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What new powers could the National Police receive?
The National Police may be authorized to open criminal cases against those listed as “wanted,” detain them, and deliver them to TCCs, as well as compile administrative materials.
How does the current process for “wanted” individuals function?
Currently, police do not actively search for people with a “wanted” status in “Rezerv+”; they only identify them during routine document checks. Administrative protocols are currently written by TCC employees, not police.
What is required for these changes to take effect?
The proposal would require the introduction of changes to the Criminal Code and the Criminal Procedure Code of Ukraine.
How do you feel the shift toward police-led mobilization will impact the efficiency of the recruitment process?
