Proposed Legislation on Mobilization Preparedness in Ukraine
Serhiy Hryvko, a member of the 'Servant of the People' party, has submitted a draft law to Ukraine's parliament, the Verkhovna Rada. The bill seeks to amend existing legislation 'On Mobilization Preparation and Mobilization,' aiming to establish clear rules for verifying citizens' military registration documents and delivering official summons. This legislative effort comes as Ukraine continues to face significant challenges in its mobilization processes due to Russia's full-scale invasion.
Key Provisions of the Draft Law
The proposal outlines that citizens must be summoned to Territorial Recruitment and Social Support Centers (TRSCs) either by direct delivery of a summons or via registered mail. Furthermore, the draft law includes provisions explicitly prohibiting TRSC officials and police officers from using unjustified physical force or special measures during document checks and summons delivery. Police are also mandated to prevent offenses and respond to any unlawful actions.
This legislative push follows a pattern of Ukrainian courts imposing substantial fines on TRSC staff for negligence in their duties during the special wartime period. Fines ranging from 17,000 to 34,000 hryvnias have been issued for violations such as failing to record their work on camera. Since July 17, 2024, Ukrainian law has required military recruitment officials to document notification procedures with photo and video evidence. Then-Defense Minister Rustem Umerov approved a specific instruction for TRSCs, and in August 2025, Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal issued an urgent directive mandating that all TRSC raids from September 1, 2025, be conducted using body cameras.
The draft law's explanatory note states that current legal inconsistencies, gaps, and contradictions lead to uneven application of the law, conflicts between citizens and TRSC officials, violations of citizens' rights, a high volume of court disputes, and reduced effectiveness of mobilization measures. As of March 2026, the priority remains combating draft evasion and cases of soldiers leaving their units without authorization.
Serhiy Hryvko's bill represents an attempt to address systemic issues within Ukraine's wartime mobilization system. Protecting citizens' rights and preventing abuses by officials are seen as crucial steps for reducing public conflict and increasing trust in the process. The passage of this law could significantly shape the future of Ukraine's mobilization policy as the country endures a prolonged and demanding war effort.