Ukraine's Hero Stotsky Exposes 'Price List' at Zakarpattia Draft Office; Official Dismissed After $100,000 Discovery.

Conflict Between Vladyslav Stotsky and Andriy Savchuk

According to TSN.ua: Vladyslav Stotsky, a Hero of Ukraine and senior lieutenant in the National Guard, has found himself in legal trouble after alleging that the Zakarpattia Territorial Recruitment Center (TRC) operated a bribery scheme for draft dodgers. Andriy Savchuk, the head of the regional TRC, filed a police complaint against Stotsky for slander, but Stotsky refused to apologize for his statements. Savchuk was later dismissed from his post after $100,000 was found in his possession.

In his statement, Stotsky detailed information he gathered in Zakarpattia:

“I was in Zakarpattia, and people told me the price list there is as follows: if the TRC grabs you by the arm, you need to pay 500 euros to be let go immediately. If they put you in a bus, it’s 1,000 euros. If they take you to the center and process your documents, it’s 10,000 euros. If they drive you to the training ground and release you, it’s 15,000 euros—and they let you go.”

These claims sparked widespread outrage, leading to a direct confrontation between Stotsky and Savchuk. After making his allegations, Stotsky said he faced intense pressure from the TRC chief:

“He came down hard on me: ‘What are you doing? What did you say? Apologize right now!’ But I stood my ground and refused to apologize. Then he (the TRC head) filed a report and opened a criminal case against me.”

Ongoing TRC Scandal

Andriy Savchuk, who was appointed to his position in October 2023, became embroiled in controversy after large sums of cash were discovered in his possession. On March 15, 2025, journalist Vitaliy Hlahola reported that case materials had been handed over to the police and the prosecutor’s office in Zakarpattia Oblast, signaling the seriousness of the situation.

Stotsky gained public recognition after an emotional interview with Yuriy Butusov and for his role in defending a strongpoint near the village of Spirne, close to Siversk, where he and seven other soldiers held the line for 67 days. This case highlights ongoing concerns within military institutions and underscores the urgent need for oversight and investigation into TRC operations.

The scandal involving Stotsky and Savchuk serves as a stark warning about potential illegal practices within Ukraine’s territorial recruitment system. It may also trigger deeper scrutiny and audits of military structures, as the open criminal proceedings could lead to serious consequences for those involved. Ultimately, this situation is likely to reignite debates about transparency and accountability in the country’s national security framework.