Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced the formation of a Coordination Council aimed at safeguarding the rights of war veterans, the families of deceased defenders, and those who are missing or imprisoned. The decree, numbered 483/2026, was made public on the official website of the President’s Office.
The council’s establishment is intended to facilitate the implementation of protections for veterans and their families, as well as for military personnel captured or detained during the ongoing conflict. The decree outlines the council’s role in addressing the needs of various groups affected by the war, including:
- Veterans and their families, including those of deceased military personnel;
- Service members and security forces captured or taken hostage;
- Civilians deprived of their freedom due to armed aggression;
- Individuals missing under special circumstances related to the conflict.
Among the primary responsibilities of the Coordination Council are the development of proposals to enhance legal and social guarantees for veterans and their families. The council is also tasked with promoting initiatives to honor defenders and consolidating international efforts to ensure compliance with humanitarian laws regarding the treatment of military personnel and civilians in captivity.
The council will be chaired by Kyrylo Budanov, the head of the President’s Office, with Iryna Vereshchuk serving as the secretary. Other notable members include:
- Artur Dobroserdov, an authorized representative for missing persons;
- Oleh Ivashchenko, head of the Defense Ministry’s Intelligence Directorate;
- Natalia Kalmykova, Minister for Veterans Affairs;
- Igor Klymenko, Minister of Internal Affairs;
- Olha Kobylińska, Military Ombudsman;
- Dmytro Lubinets, Parliamentary Commissioner for Human Rights;
- Oleh Luhovskyi, acting head of the Foreign Intelligence Service;
- Pavlo Palisa, deputy head of the President’s Office;
- Vadym Svyrydenko, advisor on the rehabilitation of combat participants;
- Denys Uliutin, Minister of Social Policy;
- Rustem Umerov, Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council;
- Mykhailo Fedorov, Minister of Defense.
The decree takes effect immediately upon publication, marking a significant step in Ukraine’s efforts to address the challenges faced by those affected by the ongoing conflict.
President Zelensky has established a Coordination Council to protect the rights of veterans and families affected by the war in Ukraine. This council aims to enhance legal and social guarantees and promote international compliance with humanitarian laws.