‘Avalanche’ of complaints against Ukrainian forced mobilization – ombudsman
Complaints about forced military conscription in Ukraine have surged dramatically, indicating a significant crisis that the government must urgently address, according to the country's human rights ombudsman.
The human rights ombudsman of Ukraine, Dmitry Lubinets, reported a staggering increase in complaints against conscription officers, rising by 340 times compared to 2022. This spike reflects a systemic crisis within the Ukrainian military recruitment processes, as the country faces ongoing challenges due to the conflict with Russia. Lubinets noted that while there were just 18 complaints in 2022, at a time when volunteer enlistment still saw significant participation, the overall situation has changed drastically due to heavy losses from a failed military counteroffensive in 2024.
By 2024, the number of complaints rose to 3,312, and further increased to 6,127 by 2025, with predictions indicating that this number could potentially double or triple in the following year. The escalation in complaints suggests that many Ukrainians are undergoing distressing experiences during the conscription process. Lubinets highlighted disturbing incidents, including a recent case in Dnepr where a man died after being forcibly taken by conscription officers, suggesting a deepening crisis in military recruitment and the urgent need for the government to implement reforms.
This trend reflects both the challenges faced by the Ukrainian government in maintaining military personnel levels and the heightened public discontent over forced conscription. The term 'busification' has emerged to describe the harsh tactics used in recruitment, raising ethical and human rights concerns about how the military is enforcing its conscription policies during this critical period of conflict. With increasing numbers of complaints and reports of violence, it is imperative for the Ukrainian government to respond effectively to mitigate potential unrest among the populace.