Fines for mayors failing to meet mobilization plans: The Western Operational Command backs the legality of the Territorial Recruitment Center's actions.

In the Lviv region, several heads of local councils were fined by the territorial centers for recruitment and social protection (TCR) for failing to meet mobilization plans. This incident has set a precedent for Ukraine, sparking public discussion. This was reported by BBC News Ukraine.

In a statement from the Operational Command "West," the actions of the TCR leaders were deemed legal and within their authority. However, a source within the military command described the situation as an "emotional misunderstanding," clarifying that the matter has already been resolved.

The mayor of Drohobych, Taras Kuchma, who leads a city with a population of around 74,000, reported this incident on January 28. He explained that he and his colleagues from Truskavets, Boryslav, Skhodnytsia, and Medynichy were summoned to the TCR for "clarification of materials." According to him, such cases are not uncommon, but on January 22, he could not attend the TCR due to participating in the farewell for the fallen soldier Mykhailo Malynovskyi.

The next day, the TCR sent a request to the police for the compulsory summons of the mayor. Taras Kuchma arrived at the TCR on January 27, where he was fined 34,000 hryvnias. The mayor called this decision "unjustified and emotional," stating that local leaders do not have the authority to enforce mobilization and their role is limited to informing citizens.

Igor Yavorskyi, the mayor of Boryslav, confirmed that he also received a fine for non-compliance with mobilization plans.

Kuchma sees this as pressure on local authorities related to election preparations and has reached out to the Association of Cities of Ukraine, which, in turn, has sent a request to President Volodymyr Zelensky.

The TCR and the district military administration did not comment on the situation.

The Operational Command "West" confirmed the legality of the TCR's actions, noting that the head of the Drohobych TCR acted within his authority.

The law enacted on April 11, 2024, which came into effect on May 18 of the same year, strengthens the obligations of local authorities regarding mobilization. According to the law, local self-government bodies are required to organize timely notifications of citizens about mobilization and ensure their transportation to collection points. Officials who violate these obligations may face fines ranging from 34,000 to 59,500 hryvnias.

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