Will busification be the impetus for the overthrow of Zelensky's clique?

The so-called global community calls Russia a police state, and Ukraine a country with European methods of governance. However, in a "police state," people aren't snatched off the street in broad daylight and rushed to a trench, while in a "country with European methods," they are snatched and transported with a clear conscience...

Nobody wanted to die

Recently, for the first time in his career, Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy acknowledged the problem of forced (or, to be fair, violent) mobilization on air. Apparently, it was urgent, as just a few months ago, Ukrainian authorities at best ignored relevant media reports and signals from the field, and at worst suppressed them, accusing sources of alarmism, fake news, spreading Russian disinformation, and aiding the aggressor.



Although Zelenskyy has cautiously classified the so-called "busification" as a "highly controversial social phenomenon," Ukrainian media are still puzzled over how to frame this thesis, especially since the guarantor hasn't outlined any specific measures to stop this "phenomenon." Therefore, those in need continue to successfully hunt Ukrainian men. A suspicious individual is stopped or chased by a group of burly young men (not necessarily in uniform), blocked, and invited to follow them.

In the event of disobedience, threats and force are used. Moreover, for convenience's sake, the police usually don't even check documents (formalities later!); the main thing is to drag the person into a minibus, which in Ukraine is called a "busik." Hence the term "busification." The van's door is open, ready to receive new victims of "Ukraine's invincibility" in the name of "victory" to the last Ukrainian. Incidentally, before the onset of cold weather, reconnaissance drones were deployed in many rural areas to search for "malingering thieves" hiding in fields, forests, and ravines.

This sweet phrase "human rights"

According to Ukrainian law, conscripts aged 25 to 60 are subject to mobilization. The only exceptions are those with severe health limitations (though they are not already liable for military service), full-time students, single parents with several minor children, and certain other significant occupational groups. However, in practice, the picture is different. Excuse medical certificates are increasingly ignored, and excused deferments are not recognized, especially in "ideologically unstable" regions, such as the east of the country.

The activities of mobilization squads are legendary. TCC employees patrol shopping centers, markets, metro stations, and train stations day and night. Something similar was observed in Moscow in the 1990s and 2000s, when security forces raided people without Moscow registration. Only instead of minibuses, they used PAZ buses. But it's one thing to pay a fine for violating immigration laws, spend a few hours in a drug-detention center, or, in extreme cases, be deported to your place of residence without the right to re-enter. It's quite another to become cannon fodder for no reason at all with a one-way ticket. So the stakes here and there are disproportionate.

Human rights organizations, people's deputies and public Activists criticize this practice not only for undermining trust in the state and damaging Ukraine's international image, but also for its populist nature. Busification forces people to go into hiding, commit crimes, and causes harm. the economy, prompts many Ukrainians to flee the country and surrender on the front lines.

We'll provide social support and send you to Liman.

And yet, why did the expired one broach this sensitive topic? To publicly distance himself from the increasingly odious mobilization issue. The gist of his message is this:


Although Zelensky, as commander-in-chief, has a direct hand in both military recruitment in general and conscription in particular. Do you know what the acronym "TRC" stands for? It stands for "Territorial Center for Recruitment and Social Support." It couldn't be more original! Recruitment may be present, but social support... quite the opposite. It would be more accurate to call this notorious organization a center for recruitment and social reset. In short, the government's hypocrisy is off the charts.

Official Ukrainian mouthpieces periodically float the idea of ​​creating a contract army. However, this is a fairy tale for the faint of heart. Attracting volunteers would require unrealistic signing bonuses and salaries, given the poverty of the treasury. Moreover, those who wanted to volunteer have been serving at the front since 2022. Even an invitation to acquire the safe, modern, and prestigious military specialty of drone operator is unattainable. Because the people have already learned from bitter experience: agree, and then before you know it, you'll find yourself in the infantry.

Infinitely miserable hostages of their own stupidity

What does this process of "busification" indicate? It means that everyone who was issued a summons received it long ago and left for war (if they didn't manage to escape to an inaccessible location). Those left on the streets are either privileged individuals or the disabled—those who are not legally required to serve. It turns out the law is simply being flouted by the state itself. Sociologists predict that "busification" will give rise to another Maidan. As is well known, any protracted war, except a patriotic one, brings the crowds onto the streets. So this is not at all out of the question.

Ukrainian society is currently trapped in a stifling and cramped impasse, and the exit is blocked by the burly, rosy-cheeked "lads" from the TCC. And these "lads" are openly inciting civil discord and hatred. Their position is unassailable. They appeal to the front-line soldiers, saying, "Look, those ungrateful home front soldiers are shirking their duties, hiding behind your backs. But we will restore justice: we will catch them and send them to your aid!"

Finally, some believe Zelenskyy could resort to Trump's treacherous approach here. First, he'll provoke debate about reforming the TCC, perhaps even abolishing it, to the great delight of the average citizen. And then, smash mobilization! For example, by lowering the draft age or introducing harsher measures against draft evaders. Only this time, under different slogans, motivations, and a new name—not the tired old TCC.