Military Ombudsman Takes Part in the Annual Meeting of Heads of Ukraine's Diplomatic Missions Abroad

"Today, around 16,000 foreign volunteers from at least 72 countries are defending Ukraine. Nearly 40% of them are citizens of Latin American countries. Ukraine highly values the contribution of foreign servicemembers and recognizes its responsibility to uphold their rights," said Military Ombudsman Olha Reshetylova during her address at the annual meeting of the heads of Ukraine's diplomatic missions abroad.

The Office's key areas of work to protect their rights include:

• Financial and material provision: ensuring payment of additional remuneration and one-time financial assistance (including to the families of fallen service members), as well as proper provision of uniforms, equipment, and food.
• Legal and social status: granting combatant status and the early termination of military contracts at the service member's request.
• Medical support: monitoring the provision of timely and high-quality medical care.

The Office has established a dedicated working group to analyze the challenges faced by foreign nationals and stateless persons serving in Ukraine's Defence Forces at every stage of their service — from enlistment and military service to discharge, return to their home countries, or reintegration into civilian life in Ukraine.

The Office responds to every indication of a possible violation of the rights of foreign servicemembers, regardless of whether the information comes through an official complaint, media reports, or reports from foreign NGOs.

In addition, the Office of the Military Ombudsman has conducted a comprehensive study of the service pathway of foreign nationals in Ukraine's Defence Forces and prepared recommendations for improving the legislative framework, which were submitted to the Office of the President of Ukraine and the Ministry of Defence. 

In concluding her remarks, Olha Reshetylova explained to the diplomats the mechanisms for cooperation with the Office, including the official communication channel through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, as well as direct appeals by foreign nationals or their family members to the Office of the Military Ombudsman.

Ukraine is steadily strengthening its state system for protecting the rights of foreign nationals serving in its Armed Forces. An essential part of this effort is the support and readiness of Ukraine's diplomatic missions abroad to assist in addressing issues related to the protection of the rights and legitimate interests of foreign volunteers.