Freed prisoners of war could stay in non-combat posts under military ombudsman’s proposal

Military personnel released from captivity could be allowed to choose their roles if they continue serving, the Office of the Military Ombudsman reported. They currently have no such choice. As a result, those unable to continue serving in combat roles after captivity have to leave the military.

Illustrative image from open sources

The military ombudsman’s team developed three proposals in August 2026 to improve legislation protecting service personnel’s rights. These include allowing those released from captivity to choose their roles if they continue serving. They can choose to remain in the military after their release, but cannot choose their roles.

“As a result, those who served in combat roles before captivity are often forced to leave the military because their health prevents them from returning to those duties. We propose allowing them to continue serving in non-combat posts,” the Office of the Military Ombudsman said.

The office also proposes establishing a procedure for temporarily assigning service personnel who have experienced violence or sexual harassment to another unit.

According to the office, the Disciplinary Statute of the Armed Forces of Ukraine allows an affected service member to be temporarily assigned to another unit during an internal investigation. However, the instructions that commanders follow on temporary duty assignments do not set out a procedure for such cases..

“We propose establishing a procedure that takes account of the circumstances commanders must consider, including the affected person’s health and need for psychological support,” the office said.

Another proposal would require draft legislation and regulations being prepared for submission to the Cabinet of Ministers to be approved by the military ombudsman. This would help identify provisions that could violate or restrict service personnel’s rights.

The Office of the Military Ombudsman received 2,030 complaints last month. The most common issues were:

• referrals for military medical assessments and treatment – 19%;
• discharge from military service – 9%;
• monthly pay and additional remuneration – 8%;
• transfers to another military unit – 5%;
• prolonged periods at positions without rotation – 5%.

In August, the office completed 451 inquiries and issued 93 formal demands to commanders and military command bodies. Eight disciplinary penalties were imposed. The rights of 302 service personnel were restored and their issues resolved.

Last month, Ukraine’s parliament passed a law maintaining payments to service personnel whose treatment lasts more than 12 months. They will receive 100,000 or 50,000 hryvnias a month, depending on the circumstances in which they were wounded or became ill. The Office of the Military Ombudsman participated in a parliamentary committee working group that examined proposals and amendments to the bill.

To provide background, in 2025, Military Ombudsman Olha Reshetylova received about 12,000 complaints. Almost 5,500 more were received after the Office of the Military Ombudsman began operating on 27 January. The complaints included problems with commanders and entitlement to payments.

In early May, the Office of the Military Ombudsman launched a contact centre for service personnel to report violations of their rights during military service. Calls are accepted on 1510.

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