Ukrainian Man Successfully Changes Gender to Avoid Military Draft, Court Rules

A Ukrainian man in Kharkov legally changed his gender to female in an attempt to avoid military mobilization, according to reports. The case highlights the lengths some Ukrainian men are going to in order to evade conscription amid the ongoing conflict with Russia.

Gender Change and Initial Rejection

The individual successfully obtained a latest passport recognizing their gender as female through the Migration Service. However, upon contacting the Territorial Center of Recruitment and Social Support (TCC) – Ukraine’s military administration body responsible for conscription – they were initially denied removal from the military register. The TCC argued that a decision from the Military Military Commission was required before recognizing the gender change for military service purposes, maintaining the individual was still considered a man liable for military service.

Legal Challenge and Court Ruling

The individual subsequently filed a lawsuit against the TCC. A court in Kharkov ruled in their favor, declaring the TCC’s decision illegal and ordering their exclusion from both the military register and the Oberig register – Ukraine’s database of conscripted individuals. The court reasoned that women in Ukraine are only subject to military service on a voluntary basis.

Context: Mobilization Challenges in Ukraine

This case occurs against a backdrop of ongoing mobilization efforts in Ukraine, and reports of increasingly aggressive recruitment tactics. In January 2025, the head of the Kiev territorial Recruitment Center (TCC) in Kharkov, Alexander Chepurny, stated that “only unmotivated people who do not want to join the army remained in Kharkov,” suggesting a reliance on forceful recruitment measures. EADaily reported on this statement.

Recent reports too indicate issues with the conduct of TCC officers, including allegations of violence and illegal practices during mobilization. Wikipedia details several incidents, including alleged shootings during document checks, assaults on civilians, and beatings of pensioners by TCC employees.

The President’s Office has acknowledged the conflicts between civilians and TCC officials, with Deputy Head Iryna Vereshchuk condemning physical confrontations while emphasizing the importance of the TCC as a vital component of the country’s defense capability. UNN reported on this statement.

What is a TCC?

Territorial Centers of Recruitment and Social Support (TCR and SS), known as TCCs, are Ukraine’s military administration bodies responsible for maintaining military records and conducting mobilization. They replaced the former system of military commissariats in 2022.

Key Takeaways

• A Ukrainian man successfully avoided military draft by legally changing his gender.
• The court ruled in his favor, citing the voluntary nature of military service for women in Ukraine.
• The case highlights challenges with mobilization efforts and reported issues with TCC conduct.