POW Assault Inside Odesa Recruitment Center Triggers Shockwaves

In Odesa, former prisoner of war Dmytro Kashchuk said he had been attacked by people he links to employees of the Territorial Center of Recruitment (TCR).

As reported by Censor.NET, the corresponding video was published by OdesaINFO.

A Ukrainian serviceman recently released from Russian captivity has alleged that he was assaulted by individuals he believes were connected to the Territorial Center of Recruitment (TCR) in Odesa, triggering an official internal investigation and renewed public attention around military recruitment practices during wartime.

According to reports published by local media and shared widely on Telegram, former prisoner of war Dmytro Kashchuk said the incident occurred in Odesa after several minibuses abruptly stopped near him in the street.

Kashchuk stated that unidentified men forcibly took his car keys, pushed him into a vehicle, and physically assaulted him during the ride.

“They hit me from behind. One stood in the aisle wearing gloves and kept shouting: ‘Let’s beat him now,’” Kashchuk said in a video statement.

The serviceman explained that he repeatedly tried to inform the men about his military status and recent release from Russian captivity.

“I told them I had been in captivity. I said they could check my phone and documents,” he said.

According to Kashchuk, he also informed the men that he had a third-category disability. He claims the response he received was that he would still be sent “to the brigade.”

Approximately 20 minutes later, Kashchuk said the men realized who he was and released him from the vehicle.

“They just opened the door and told me to get out,” he stated.

Odesa Recruitment Office Responds

The Odesa Regional Territorial Center of Recruitment and Social Support later confirmed that it had received a formal complaint from Kashchuk on April 23, 2026.

In an official statement, the agency announced that it had launched:

• a review of the complaint;
• verification of the reported facts;
• an internal investigation under legal procedures.

Officials stated that investigators are currently attempting to identify the individuals and vehicles involved.

According to the statement, the alleged participants in the incident were reportedly wearing balaclavas and had no identifying insignia, making it impossible at this stage to confirm whether they were connected to the TCR.

The recruitment office emphasized that it is cooperating with law enforcement authorities and described the case as being under “special supervision.”

Investigation Continues

The Odesa TCR stressed that respect for Ukrainian defenders — especially former prisoners of war — remains a priority.

Officials also stated that any personnel found responsible for unlawful actions would face accountability under Ukrainian law.

The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities urged the media and the public to avoid spreading unverified claims until official findings are completed.

The case has already sparked widespread discussion online and renewed debate over recruitment enforcement practices during Ukraine’s ongoing war with Russia.

EMPR