Ukraine has enacted a new law aimed at clarifying the payment structure for families of missing and deceased soldiers. This legislation, known as Law No. 13646, introduces updated guidelines on the financial assistance available to these families, reflecting the ongoing challenges faced during the conflict.
Under the revised regulations, families of soldiers who are declared missing in action will receive monthly payments of 100,000 hryvnias, alongside the soldier’s salary. The base salary varies, starting at approximately 20,000 hryvnias, depending on the soldier’s rank and position.
Legal expert Olena Voronkova explained that if a soldier is found alive after being declared missing, the payment structure remains unchanged. However, if the soldier is confirmed deceased, the family must navigate a new process to ensure they receive the appropriate compensation.
To claim payments for missing soldiers, relatives must approach the military unit where the soldier served or the local recruitment and social support center. Required documentation includes a statement of claim, identification documents, proof of family ties, and a notification of the soldier’s status. Additional documents may be requested depending on individual circumstances.
Regarding deceased soldiers, families are entitled to a one-time payment of 15 million hryvnias. However, this amount is disbursed in installments; initially, families receive one-fifth of the total, with the remaining funds distributed over the next 40 months. To access these funds, families must submit documentation to the recruitment center, which will forward the information to the Ministry of Defense.
The recent changes to the law also address situations where a soldier is initially reported as missing but later confirmed deceased. Previously, families could receive both monthly payments and a full lump sum. Under the new rules, monthly payments are now deducted from the total 15 million hryvnias, meaning families will only receive the difference once the soldier’s death is officially confirmed.
These legislative updates took effect on February 25, 2023, and are intended to streamline the support process for families of military personnel. Legal representatives suggest that families who have been receiving payments prior to these changes may seek legal recourse to claim the total amount due following an official declaration of death.
Overall, while the new law modifies the payment structure, it continues to uphold the system of social support for families of military personnel affected by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
The new Ukrainian law clarifies financial assistance for families of missing and deceased soldiers, establishing updated payment structures and procedures. It aims to streamline the support process while addressing previous ambiguities in compensation.