President Volodymyr Zelensky has submitted a draft law to the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine regarding the creation of the position of Military Ombudsman
This step is part of a comprehensive strategy by the government and parliament to strengthen the protection of the rights and interests of Ukrainian servicemen, as well as to improve the military justice system and oversight. According to information from the official website of the Verkhovna Rada, Volodymyr Zelensky's initiative was registered under number 13266. Reports indicate that the relevant document has currently been received by the parliamentary leadership, forwarded to committees and specialized divisions for further review. The bill is designated as urgent by the president, emphasizing its importance for the current stage of the country's security and defense policy. Details of the document's content remain confidential for now, as the official text has not yet been published on the Verkhovna Rada's website. However, sources suggest that its main goal is to establish a legal basis for creating an independent or semi-independent institution that will protect the rights of military personnel, monitor compliance with legislation in the military sphere, and help resolve conflicts between personnel and command. Introducing the position of Military Ombudsman is an important step in reforming Ukraine's defense structures and enhancing military discipline and transparency within military authorities. Such an institutional safeguard aims to prevent abuses, facilitate a more open dialogue between servicemen and senior leadership, and serve as a guarantee for the protection of the rights of every soldier and officer. It is expected that this bill will have a significant impact on the further development of the military management system, and its swift adoption will send an important signal to Ukrainian society and international partners regarding Ukraine's commitment to a more open and just military environment. Currently, parliamentary committees and deputy factions are working through the details of the document, and its further progress depends on strong political will and support from the country's leadership.