Overview

• Lawmakers approved Bill No. 13266 in the second and final reading with 283 votes, formalizing the institution tasked with protecting service members’ rights.
• The ombudsman will receive and investigate complaints, provide primary legal assistance, conduct inspections in units and combat zones, and issue findings that demand corrective action from commanders.
• Complaint handling timelines are set at 10 working days, shortened to three days when life or health is at risk, with a maximum of 30 working days allowed once by extension.
• The post is a civilian appointment by the president for a five-year term with a two-term cap, subject to strict eligibility, non‑partisanship, and integrity requirements, with criminal or corruption indications referred to law enforcement or the NACP.
• The office will operate as an auxiliary body to the president with a staff cap of 150 and plans to hire about 60 employees by the end of 2025; current presidential commissioner Olha Reshetylova says any appointment under the new law is the president’s decision.