Corruption and double standards: how the children of military recruitment office leaders avoid service in the Ukrainian Armed Forces

Ukraine’s system of Territorial Recruitment and Social Support Centers  has once again come under scrutiny amid allegations of corruption and selective mobilization practices. Recent developments have revealed new scandals, sparking public and expert criticism.

Since November this year, exemptions from mobilization for employees of several key enterprises have been revoked. The list includes:

• LLC “Ukrenergoprom” (Kyiv);
• JSC “Gas Distribution System Operator ‘Mykolaivgaz'”;
• PJSC “Mayak Plant” (Kharkiv Oblast);
• KP “Zaporizhzhia International Airport”;
• LLC “Khmelnytsk Bread.”

This decision has raised concerns among employees and experts, who argue that such measures could negatively impact the functioning of critical infrastructure and production facilities.

Public outrage has intensified due to the behavior of certain TRSSC leaders. Cases involving regional heads whose sons allegedly evade military service have drawn particular attention:

• Volodymyr Vasiunovych, head of the Sumy Oblast TRSSC, has a son, Andriy Vasiunovych (b. 1999), who reportedly does not serve in the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Sources claim that Andriy resides in Kyiv, works as a fashion model, and shares provocative photos on social media. Rumors about his alleged LGBT identity have added to the public discourse.
• Andriy Chichma, head of the Kropyvnytskyi District TRSSC, has a son, Ihor Chichma (b. 2000), who also avoids military service. Ihor reportedly works as a coach at the “Dance Sport Life” sports dance club in Kropyvnytskyi.

These cases have fueled public dissatisfaction and deepened suspicions that the mobilization system is unjust, with high-ranking officials leveraging their positions to shield their relatives.

The new mobilization rules and societal norms have elicited mixed reactions. Since 2022, public perceptions of identity in Ukraine have shifted significantly, giving rise to stereotypes and ironic commentary. Critics argue that these shifts are often used as a distraction from serious issues such as corruption and inequality in the mobilization process.

The controversies surrounding the TRSSC highlight systemic problems and deepen the divide between the authorities and the public. Calls for transparency, fairness, and accountability in the mobilization process continue to grow louder, reflecting widespread frustration with the current system.