The Ukrainian Office of the Military Ombudsman has processed more than 8,000 complaints from military personnel in its first four months of operation, facilitating the restoration of rights for many service members. The majority of these complaints pertain to issues related to medical treatment and referrals to military medical commissions.
This information was shared by Olga Reshetilova, the appointed representative for the protection of military personnel and their families, during a meeting with President Volodymyr Zelensky on June 5.
During the discussion, topics included the transparency of salary disbursements, the need for standardized criteria for accounting additional payments, and ensuring clarity in financial documentation.
Reshetilova emphasized that a key priority remains the development of a rights protection system for foreigners and stateless individuals serving in the Ukrainian Armed Forces. She noted that the Ombudsman’s Office has conducted a comprehensive study and prepared relevant proposals.
“The conversation also addressed systemic violations in certain units of the Defense Forces. Reshetilova highlighted the importance of commanders being willing to address issues openly and collaborate with the Office of the Military Ombudsman,” the statement said.
The parties also discussed the collaboration between the Ombudsman’s Office, the Ministry of Defense, the General Staff, and other security and defense sector entities.
“The Office of the Military Ombudsman is establishing an analytical center to study the causes and conditions of rights violations among military personnel, providing relevant data to military management for decision-making purposes,” officials from the President’s Office stated.
Additionally, Zelensky approved the organization of the first international forum for military ombudsmen in Kyiv. He remarked that Ukraine possesses a unique experience in developing a rights protection system for military personnel amid full-scale warfare and is prepared to share this knowledge with international partners.
“Olga Reshetilova will finalize all details, after which the findings will be presented to the public,” Zelensky added.
The Ukrainian Military Ombudsman Office has addressed over 8,000 complaints from military personnel in its initial months, focusing on medical treatment and rights protection. Key discussions with President Zelensky included improving transparency in military pay and addressing systemic violations within the Defense Forces.