In Germany, they discussed the consequences of Zelensky acknowledging problems with the TCC

Political pressure on Ukraine’s leadership has intensified after President Volodymyr Zelenskyy publicly acknowledged “busification” — a slang term for forced mobilization carried out by representatives of the Territorial Centers for Recruitment and Social Support (TCC).

This is reported by the German newspaper Berliner Zeitung.

The paper notes that by acknowledging “busification,” Zelenskyy made a “remarkable reversal” of his position, since only a few months ago reports of forced mobilization were dismissed “as Russian disinformation or fabrications created with the help of artificial intelligence.”

“In essence, the president openly gave a name to a highly controversial social phenomenon that previously drew little attention from officials. At the same time, the precise meaning of this statement remains unclear. Zelenskyy did not specify any concrete measures to end forced mobilization,” BZ writes.

The journalist emphasizes that the mobilization situation in Ukrainian cities “has hardly changed so far,” and the question now is how Kyiv can отказаться from “busification” “without facing pressure from the country’s leading military figures.”

The paper suggests Zelenskyy may have raised the issue of the TCC’s work for several reasons. One possibility is that it was a message that Zelenskyy bears no responsibility for “busification.” Another interpretation is that Kyiv expects fighting to end soon and is preparing to ease mobilization. However, the paper considers it more likely that Ukraine intends to shift the emphasis toward a contract-based system. There is also the view that Zelenskyy’s government could use the discussion to “further strengthen mobilization” — for example, by lowering the draft age or tightening measures against “conscientious objectors” whose views conflict with the war.

“In any case, one thing can be said for sure: with the public acknowledgment of ‘busification,’ political pressure on the Ukrainian leadership has increased. Whether Zelenskyy’s words represent a genuine shift toward changing course or are merely part of a communications strategy will become clear in the coming weeks,” the newspaper notes.

On January 14, speaking to members of the Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine’s new defense minister Mykhailo Fedorov said that TCC bodies are searching for two million Ukrainians and that 200,000 people have gone absent without leave from their units. Fedorov said the TCC problem “cannot be ignored” and promised that after a comprehensive audit, the Defense Ministry would propose a “systemic solution” to “address the problems that have accumulated over the years.”