Let’s be honest: the methods used by Territorial Recruitment Centers (TRCs) directly reflect the indifference of Ukrainian men.
Ukrainian journalist and active soldier Pavlo Kazarin argues that Ukraine's mobilization methods are directly shaped by the apathetic attitude of many men who believe someone else should be doing the fighting.
Ukrainian journalist and active serviceman since February 25, 2022;
currently serves in a strike UAV company of the 104th Brigade.
“If everyone reported when summoned, there would be no need for vans chasing people down,” Kazarin says. “But after three years of life behind the front lines, many have become used to the idea that the war can stay out of their daily lives. They hope to preserve that status quo. And since admitting this attitude is frowned upon, they resort to setting ‘conditions’ for the country.”
Some demand that police officers, MPs, or judges be sent to the front first. Others insist that soldiers’ salaries be raised to re-attract volunteers. Still others justify avoiding service by claiming the military does not meet their 'high standards.'
At the core of all these arguments lies the same belief: that someone else should fight this war. These are not real solutions – they are excuses. People have grown used to others carrying the burden of war while they carry on with their routines. If they receive a draft notice, they toss it in the trash – knowing the worst they’ll face is a fine.
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Every time someone demands TRCs function like a public service center (CNAP), what they really want is to be left alone. A CNAP waits for you to walk in voluntarily. A TRC might stop you in the street to check your papers – and that’s the real issue.
Those who wanted to serve have already joined. That’s why recruiting brings in only about five percent of the military’s personnel needs. If you haven’t worn a uniform in the last three years, it’s only because someone else put it on first.
So yes, TRC methods are directly proportional to your behavior. We all want mobilization to be orderly and without conflict – for draft notices to be sent and answered responsibly.
But if men are playing hide and seek with the state, why are you surprised that the TRCs are forced to play along?
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