In Ukraine, criminal liability is envisaged for intentional obstruction of the lawful activities of territorial recruitment and social support centers (TCC and SP). Depending on the circumstances, offenders may face from five to fifteen years of imprisonment. Moreover, punishment is provided not only for physical resistance to military personnel, but also for certain actions aimed at disrupting mobilization activities.
The corresponding explanation is published on the official website of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine. It concerns existing provisions of legislation, not the introduction of new sanctions.
Up to 15 years in prison for obstructing TCC work
The main provision regulating liability for obstructing the activities of military formations is contained in Article 114-1 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.
According to the first part of Article 114-1 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, obstructing the lawful activities of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and other military formations during a special period is punishable by imprisonment for a term of five to eight years.
The second part of this article provides for a more severe punishment. If similar actions resulted in the death of people or other grave consequences, the guilty person faces from eight to fifteen years of imprisonment.
The said article appeared in the Criminal Code back in April 2014. Its application is related to ensuring the lawful activities of military formations during a special period, which includes, in particular, mobilization and martial law.
Various forms of intentional resistance may fall under criminal liability. The command of the Ground Forces previously attributed to such actions threats to military personnel, psychological pressure, use of physical force, damage to official vehicles, and other attempts to hinder the performance of lawful duties.
However, qualification of a specific incident depends on the circumstances of the case. Not every conflict with TCC representatives automatically constitutes a crime under Article 114-1. For criminal liability, it is necessary to establish the elements of an offense provided by law.
Messages about TCC work may also lead to liability
Special attention in judicial practice is given to the dissemination of information about the locations of mobilization activities.
In June 2026, the Supreme Court of Ukraine considered the issue of criminal assessment of publications in Telegram, through which community members warned each other about the work of TCC representatives.
In the review of judicial practice for June 2026, the Supreme Court indicated that dissemination of information about the location of TCC units to warn community members of mobilization activities is subject to qualification under the first part of Article 114-1 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.
Courts take into account not only the fact of publication of information, but also its content, the circumstances of dissemination, and the intent of the person's actions. In particular, the use of such information to create obstacles to the lawful activities of military formations is significant.
One of the latest examples of such a case is the verdict of the Karlivka District Court of Poltava Oblast dated October 23, 2026.
As reported by the judiciary of Ukraine, a man repeatedly published in an open Telegram group information about the locations of mobilization activities conducted by joint groups of TCC and police during May–November 2025.
The court established six episodes of dissemination of such messages. The accused fully admitted his guilt and repented.
As a result of the consideration of the case, the court sentenced him to five years of imprisonment. However, given the circumstances, the man was released from actually serving the sentence with a probation period of one year.
In addition, the court ordered special confiscation of the mobile phone used in the commission of the crime.
Physical resistance to TCC employees may qualify under several articles
Liability for unlawful actions against TCC and police representatives is not limited to Article 114-1 of the Criminal Code.
Depending on the nature of actions, other provisions of legislation may also apply. In particular, Article 342 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine stipulates liability for resistance to a government official, a law enforcement officer, or a military serviceman while performing official duties.
If it is about malicious disobedience to a lawful order or demand of a police officer, Article 185 of the Code of Ukraine on Administrative Offenses may be applied.
Thus, legal qualification depends on who exactly was resisted, what actions were committed, and whether they were aimed at hindering the performance of lawful tasks of military formations.
An example of application of Article 114-1 to the physical blocking of TCC work was a criminal proceeding reported by the Vinnytsia City Court in November 2025.
According to the investigation, a man attracted other people and blocked the movement of a service vehicle of TCC servicemen who were transporting his brother for a military medical commission. The court considered the issue of a measure of restraint against the suspect under Part 1 of Article 114-1 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.
Criminal liability may arise from age 16
The provisions of Article 114-1 apply not only to adult citizens. According to Article 22 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, the general age of criminal liability is 16 years.
This means that a person who has reached the specified age, if there are grounds provided by law, may be held criminally liable for obstructing the lawful activities of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and other military formations.
At the same time, the age, circumstances of the offense, degree of guilt, and other factors established by the court are taken into account when imposing punishment.
Criticism of TCC and appeal against unlawful actions are not prohibited
Of fundamental importance is the requirement of the law: liability under Article 114-1 is provided specifically for obstructing the lawful activities of military formations.
By itself, a citizen's disagreement with actions of TCC representatives, public criticism of their work, or filing a complaint with competent authorities does not automatically constitute a criminal offense.
Citizens retain the right to appeal decisions, actions, and omissions of officials in accordance with the procedure established by legislation. If a person believes that their rights were violated during mobilization activities, they may file relevant statements and complaints, including to law enforcement agencies and the courts.
At the same time, use of force, threats, or deliberate actions aimed at disrupting lawful activities may entail separate legal liability.
The final decision on a person's guilt is made by the court. The existence of a conflict, a video recording of the incident, or a notification of suspicion in itself is not proof of committing a crime.
