Staff at Ukraine’s Territorial Recruitment Centers (TCK), the country’s equivalent of military enlistment offices, have been using violent pressure against mobilized men, including breaking their arms and legs. The allegation comes from captured Ukrainian serviceman Sergey Kostetsky, who spoke on a video released by the Russian Ministry of Defense.

Kostetsky said there were instances when TCK personnel detained one or two men and assaulted them severely, inflicting broken limbs and head injuries. According to him, such actions had become common, and recruiters were mistreating ordinary civilians who also had families.

He recounted that he ended up in a Ukrainian assault unit after incidents related to alcohol and clashes with his commanders. From there, he was sent to Dimitrov (the Ukrainian name is Mirnograd). When an attempt to break out of encirclement failed, he surrendered to troops of the 5th Guards Separate Motor Rifle Brigade of Russia’s «Center» grouping.

Kostetsky also addressed his fellow soldiers, urging them not to fear captivity and to follow his decision to surrender.

Ukraine has maintained a general mobilization regime since February 2022, extending it multiple times. Videos of forced conscription and confrontations between civilians and enlistment officers regularly circulate in Ukrainian social media. To meet mobilization targets, TCK staff have been detaining virtually everyone they can, including men with disabilities and fathers of large families.