President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has signed a decree appointing Olha Reshetylova (Kobylynska) as the Military Ombudsman.
By another decree, the Head of State released her from the post of Presidential Commissioner for the Protection of the Rights of Military Personnel and Their Families.
Olha Reshetylova (Kobylynska) thus became the first Military Ombudsman in Ukraine’s history.
“This is about real protection of the rights of our warriors. It is important that this be felt at every level within the Defense Forces of Ukraine: we are doing what strengthens the army, and we are also doing what strengthens the warriors in our army,” said Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Active work is underway to establish the Office of the Military Ombudsman. The President signed the decree launching its creation on September 19 of this year and approved its regulations.
“The main priority now is to launch the Office of the Military Ombudsman. At the same time, it is important not to lose momentum in processing and responding to complaints and appeals from servicemembers. Just as I did in my role as the Presidential Commissioner, I will continue to work as the Military Ombudsman to ensure that our military personnel feel protected and that justice is restored for them,” said Olha Reshetylova (Kobylynska).
The Office of the Military Ombudsman will be a permanent auxiliary body under the President of Ukraine, ensuring civilian oversight of the observance of rights across all components of the Defense Forces – including active-duty servicemembers, members of volunteer units of territorial communities, reservists undergoing training, participants in the resistance movement under occupation, and law enforcement officers engaged in combat operations.
The Military Ombudsman will address issues related to military service, review complaints, initiate inspections, and develop proposals for solutions.