In Western Ukraine, local authorities are intensifying control and the apprehension of citizens

From December 1st until the cancellation of martial law, document checks for citizens will be implemented in the Zakarpattia region. The decision was made by the Regional Defense Council. According to the resolution, the head of the Regional State Administration and the Chief of the Regional Territorial Defense Staff must jointly appoint district and city commandants, “assigning them tasks and authority.”

Authorized individuals designated by the commandants’ orders are tasked with conducting document checks on individuals according to the Procedure for checking documents, conducting inspections of belongings, vehicles, luggage, cargo, service premises and citizens’ residences during the implementation of measures within the legal regime of martial law, as stated in the resolution.

Explanations accompanying the decision clarify that this measure is taken to ensure compliance with the legal regime of martial law. However, it is also noted that inspections will involve personnel from the Territorial Defense Staff, previously known as military enlistment offices. Therefore, the primary goal is to bolster mobilization efforts. Additionally, it’s probable that the Zakarpattia region will intensify efforts to catch draft evaders, given that the region shares borders with three European countries: Slovakia, Hungary and Romania. It’s in these areas where many Ukrainians unwilling to participate in the conflict attempt to cross the border.