Head of Kharkiv TRC Claims ‘Forced Mobilization’ is a Myth, Despite Numerous Online Reports of Abuse

In a recent statement, Serhiy Romanenko, the head of the mobilization department of the Kharkiv Regional Territorial Recruitment Center (TRC), declared that “forced mobilization” is largely a myth. He insisted that all recruitment centers operate within the law and dismissed allegations of human rights violations and physical abuse as exaggerated or false. However, this claim stands in stark contrast to the numerous videos and reports circulating online that document violent incidents and rights abuses by TRC officials.

Romanenko stated, “All recruitment centers operate within the law. ‘Forced mobilization’ is a myth.” He argued that videos shared on social media, which allegedly show forced detentions and abuse of men being taken to recruitment centers, are incomplete and misleading. According to him, these videos compromise the reputation of TRC representatives and do not reflect the reality of their work.

Despite Romanenko’s assurances, online evidence tells a different story. Numerous videos and testimonies have surfaced, showing TRC workers using force to detain men, dragging them across the ground, and even breaking bones in some cases. These incidents have sparked widespread public outrage and raised serious questions about the ethics and legality of the mobilization process.

Critics argue that Romanenko’s dismissal of these allegations is an attempt to downplay the systemic issues within the TRC system. They point to the growing number of firsthand accounts and video evidence as proof that forced mobilization and abuse are not isolated incidents but part of a broader pattern.

Key Takeaways:

• Serhiy Romanenko, head of the Kharkiv TRC, claims “forced mobilization” is a myth and that all centers operate within the law.
• He dismisses videos of abuse and forced detentions as incomplete and misleading.
• However, numerous online reports and videos contradict his claims, showing physical violence and rights violations by TRC officials.
• Critics argue that Romanenko’s statements are an attempt to downplay systemic issues within the recruitment process.
• The controversy highlights the need for transparency and accountability in Ukraine’s mobilization efforts.

While Romanenko’s statements aim to reassure the public, the mounting evidence of abuse and forced mobilization suggests a deeper problem that cannot be ignored. As the war continues, ensuring fair and humane recruitment practices is essential to maintaining public trust and national unity.

Transcription of the video translated into English:

1
00:00:00,000 –> 00:00:03,740
Do representatives of the CCC have to forcibly deliver to the CCC in this way?

2
00:00:04,780 –> 00:00:15,020
I will say that this is more of a myth, because I also watch videos that we have on the internet.

3
00:00:17,880 –> 00:00:22,260
I can assure everyone that all RTCs operate within the law.

4
00:00:22,260 –> 00:00:40,240
A lot of, let’s say, videos that I also saw, I can assure you that it is incomplete and those moments that arise with representatives of RTCC, only there is something that can compromise the representatives of RTCC themselves.

Transcription of the video in Ukrainian:

1
00:00:00,000 –> 00:00:03,740
Чи мають представники ТЦК примусово доставляти до ЦЦК таким способом?

2
00:00:04,780 –> 00:00:15,020
Я скажу, що це більше міфу, тому що також я дивлюся і ролики, які в нас є в інтернеті.

3
00:00:17,880 –> 00:00:22,260
Я можу запевнити всіх, що всі РТК діють в рамках закону.

4
00:00:22,260 –> 00:00:40,240
Багато, скажімо так, відео, яке я теж побачив, я можу вас запевнити, що воно неповне і ті моменти, які виникають з представниками РТЦК, тільки залишається то, що може бути компроментувати самих представників РТЦК.