Ruslan Tsyhankov has been appointed First Deputy Military Ombudsman in Ukraine

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy appointed Colonel Ruslan Tsyhankov as First Deputy Military Ombudsman by a decree signed on 26 December 2025.

“I am convinced that the individual is the highest value. This principle has always guided my professional work,” said Ruslan Tsyhankov. “By addressing specific, local issues, we identify systemic challenges. These require fundamental changes in response. This is how I see the purpose of my work in my new position. I am grateful for the trust and, at the same time, I am aware of the level of responsibility that comes with this appointment.”

Ruslan Tsyhankov, 38, was born in Kherson. He graduated from the National Academy of the National Guard of Ukraine in Kharkiv with a specialization in Tactical-Level Command Officer / Automotive Mechanical Engineer, as well as from Kherson State Agrarian and Economic University with a degree in Accounting and Auditing. He also holds a law degree from the National University “Odesa Law Academy.” Currently, he is attending the Operational-Level Joint Staff Officers Course at the National Defence University of Ukraine.

He began his military service in 2005 as a cadet. He subsequently held the positions of Deputy Company Commander for Technical Affairs and Special Operations Platoon Commander..

Ruslan Tsyhankov was Head of the Kherson Specialized Prosecutor’s Office for the Military and Defense Sector and held the positions of Deputy Military Prosecutor of the Kherson and Zaporizhzhia garrisons in the Southern Region.

Since July 2025, he has been the Head of the Main Department for the Protection of Service Members’ Rights of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine. Under his leadership, the Directorate actively cooperated with the Military Ombudsman. Ruslan Tsyhankov was one of the authors of the Law “On the Military Ombudsman” and provided comprehensive support during the preparation for the launch of the Office of the Military Ombudsman.