Military Ombudsman: New Opportunities for Protecting Soldiers' Rights
On Wednesday, September 17, the Parliament passed a new law regarding the military ombudsman.
The draft law received support from 283 members, with 18 abstaining and another 18 not voting.
According to the new legislation, the military ombudsman will be responsible for ensuring the rights of military personnel, reservists, volunteers, and individuals involved in combat or resistance activities in occupied territories.
The primary task of the ombudsman is to identify rights violations, analyze them, and seek solutions. He will have the authority to issue recommendations for commanders and other authorities, review complaints, and conduct inspections. The ombudsman can request any necessary information, including restricted data, and will not disclose personal information of complainants without their consent.
On May 8, President Volodymyr Zelensky submitted this draft law to the Parliament, emphasizing its urgency.
Under the document, the president will appoint the military ombudsman and their deputies. An Office of the Military Ombudsman will also be established to carry out civilian control functions in the security and defense sector.
Additionally, the draft law outlines the procedures for filing and reviewing military grievances, as well as conducting inspections in military units.
In its first reading, the law was adopted on June 3, 2025, and subsequently refined.
«I thank the members of Parliament for supporting the law on the Military Ombudsman initiated by President Volodymyr Zelensky. We are creating a strong institution for the protection of Ukrainian soldiers' rights, — said Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal. — This is a step towards justice and strengthening our army.
According to him, the military ombudsman will operate under the President of Ukraine, ensuring oversight in the security and defense sector, accepting complaints, and conducting inspections.
«The Ministry of Defense will fully support the work of the Military Ombudsman, as we share common values and goals — a strong and free Ukraine», — emphasized Denys Shmyhal.
