Visited Servicemembers Released from Captivity

We visited one of the reintegration centers for servicemembers released from Russian captivity.

We conducted a review of which military units have not submitted the documents necessary for the accrual of payments and other social guarantees. We informed the military command authorities about this. We continue to work separately with the units that have still not submitted the full package of documents. We emphasize once again — warriors who have returned from Russian captivity must not face indifference in their homeland. Ensuring their full support and accompaniment is the duty of every brigade.

We also familiarized ourselves with how the reintegration process is organized at the center and the conditions under which those released from captivity recover. We informed them about the prescribed payments; the procedure for arranging 90 calendar days of leave; and their right to choose — to continue military service or to be discharged. We provided consultations and explanations on how to file a complaint with the Office of the Military Ombudsman. Defenders released from captivity can learn more about their rights and guarantees from a booklet developed by the Office's specialists with the support of the International Renaissance Foundation.

"For the Office of the Military Ombudsman, it is important to be alongside servicemembers after their return home. Practice shows that they are not always informed about their rights and assistance programs. Direct dialogue at this stage allows us to respond promptly to problematic issues and formulate proposals for improving state support for those released from captivity," noted Olena Bieliachkova, Advisor to the Military Ombudsman.