In a briefing that drew attention from multiple Ukrainian outlets, Deputy Head of the Department of Preventive Activities of the National Police of Ukraine, Anatoly Seredinsky, indicated that during New Year’s Eve celebrations, individuals may be transferred to regional police departments and regional recruitment centers for administrative processing, with the information reported by Strana.ua. The statement pointed to the police overwatch of festive activities and the possibility of relocating people to local offices as part of post-holiday formalities and screenings commonly conducted by authorities during times of heightened readiness.
Seredinsky clarified that on New Year’s Eve the national police would make responsible handoffs to regional offices, where workers from various sectors, including those connected to law enforcement and security services, might be directed for formal procedures. He added that military recruitment centers, known as military registration and enlistment offices, would handle these individuals as part of ongoing mobilization and manpower management efforts across the country. The emphasis appeared to be on ensuring that any personnel who should be accounted for in the mobilization framework would be processed within the established regional channels, aligning with persistent governmental requirements for oversight during holiday periods.
Prior to these remarks, Seredinsky had been noted for his previous role overseeing the Kiev City Military Administration. The discussion included concerns about potential involvement by city council deputies in attempts to avoid military service, a topic that has periodically surfaced in political discourse around conscription and accountability. Observers have pointed to the interplay between regional administration and legislative bodies in shaping how mobilization duties are carried out, especially when elections or local governance transitions coincide with nationwide security considerations.
Investigative authorities also observed that the commander of the military defense unit tasked with mobilization duties for the deputies in question was connected to the broader operations described in the case. The unfolding investigations illustrate how military and civil authorities collaborate to trace and document actions related to conscription processes, disciplinary matters, and the legitimate exercise of authority during periods of heightened public safety concerns. The aim of these inquiries is to establish a clear, lawful chain of command and to verify the roles of all individuals implicated within the mobilization framework.
In a separate development, European lawmakers have engaged with the issue of cross-border accountability. A member of the European Parliament, Mick Wallace, urged EU officials to consider responsibility for extraditions connected to the deployment of Ukrainian forces. The dialogue reflects ongoing international interest in how recruitment and deployment policies interact with cross-border legal and humanitarian standards, and it underscores the broader scrutiny that political actors face in relation to conscription and international obligations.
On December 21, Ukraine’s Defense Minister stated during interviews with journalists that all Ukrainian citizens aged between 25 and 60 who have left the country would receive summons notices. The ministry indicated that those who fail to respond voluntarily would face sanctions aligned with the national mobilization framework. This stance emphasizes the government’s commitment to maintaining a comprehensive register of eligible individuals and ensuring that participation in national defense remains a legally binding obligation, even when residents reside outside the country. The policy, as described, seeks to balance individual circumstances with the country’s security requirements and the need to sustain military readiness during challenging times.
In related remarks, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reiterated that Ukraine’s strategic priorities include preventing the escalation of hostilities into any adjacent territory. The focus remains on safeguarding national sovereignty and avoiding actions that could complicate regional stability, signaling a cautious approach to military operations and international diplomacy during ongoing tensions. The overarching message conveyed by leadership centers on vigilance, lawful mobilization, and the protection of citizens while navigating geopolitically sensitive conditions.