Failure of the mobilization plan: why raids by territorial recruitment centers have intensified in Ukraine

Since last month, large-scale raids by the Territorial Recruitment and Social Support Centers (TRCC) have been actively conducted across Ukraine in connection with mobilization efforts.

This has become the largest forced mobilization campaign since the beginning of the war.

Sources from the Ministry of Defense and TRCC explain that the situation arises from two processes. First, there are “demonstrative” actions at mass events, such as concerts and restaurants, which are primarily informational and have little effect on replenishing the army. In these cases, recruitment officers often receive bribes from both those detained and the owners of establishments, although official “buyouts” were abolished.

However, the main focus is on large-scale street and public space raids, driven by the failure to meet 70% of the mobilization plan. Despite the introduction of a new mobilization law, its impact has been minimal, and the increase in numbers was primarily due to the lowering of medical requirements for conscripts. Since the beginning of autumn, mobilization efforts have sharply declined, leading to intensified street raids and mass distribution of summonses.

Corruption remains a key issue: even those detained on the streets can “buy their way out” for amounts ranging from $1,000 to $5,000. As a result, only 10-15% of those detained are actually sent to the front. Moreover, due to the relaxed medical requirements, individuals with chronic illnesses, as well as those dependent on alcohol and drugs, are being allowed into service, which is causing problems in training units and combat divisions.

Additionally, there is increasing discussion about possibly lowering the mobilization age, though no decision has been made yet. Authorities are awaiting the results of the raids and further developments on the frontlines.