Ukraine Investigates Recruitment Soldiers Over Torture, Shooting in Kharkiv

Authorities say a group of Territorial Recruitment Center personnel is suspected of abusing civilians during a forced operation linked to mobilization efforts. Make us preferred on Google Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied A recruitment poster is seen on the wall of an office located in the Ukrainian Consulate in Lublin, on November 12, 2024. A(Photo by Wojtek RADWANSKI / AFP) Content Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied Flip Make us preferred on Google Ukraine’s State Bureau of Investigation has charged a group of Territorial Recruitment Center (TRC) personnel over alleged torture and a shooting incident involving civilians in Kharkiv, the agency said on Wednesday, April 22. According to the State Bureau of Investigation (DBR, from Державне Бюро Розслідувань), the suspects include personnel from a district TRC, as well as servicemembers from other units who allegedly acted together. Follow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official . Investigators said a TRC major organized the group’s actions, involving both recruitment officers and security personnel. According to the investigation, the group entered a private residence under the pretext of conducting mobilization-related checks. They allegedly identified themselves as members of Ukraine’s security services (SBU), used physical force, and threatened civilians with weapons while attempting to extract confessions related to alleged drug offenses. During the incident, one man was shot and wounded after attempting to resist, authorities said. Investigators allege that two victims were then forcibly taken to a TRC facility, where they were held for an extended period, beaten, threatened, and pressured to provide information. One of them was also forced to sign documents, including papers related to the cancellation of a deferment from military service. One victim was later released, while the other managed to escape, according to the DBR. Other Topics of Interest Ex-Police Chief Appointed Adviser After Resigning Over Kyiv Mass Shooting Incident Former Patrol Police Chief Zhukov’s voluntary resignation followed criticism of officers’ actions during a deadly mass shooting in the capital Saturday, which left 7 dead and at least 14 wounded. Authorities said six individuals have been identified as part of the group, which allegedly acted according to a prearranged plan. The suspects have been formally notified of suspicion on charges of torture committed by a group acting in conspiracy, which carries a penalty of up to 10 years in prison. Yuliia Zavadska is a news writer at Kyiv Post. She has experience in breaking news coverage, fact-checking, and digital journalism, with a focus on fast, accurate reporting and clear storytelling. Before joining Kyiv Post, she worked as a news feed editor for several leading Ukrainian media outlets.