Payments and benefits for Ukrainian military personnel released from captivity: clarification from the Ministry of Defense

Being in captivity during war threatens the physical and psychological health of servicemen, and also creates serious difficulties with social adaptation after release. The state, aware of these problems, guarantees comprehensive support for those who have returned from captivity, including financial payments, medical care, legal support, and the possibility of restoring professional and social status. An important aspect is the creation of a transparent mechanism for obtaining these rights, which allows released servicemen and their family members to freely use the guarantees provided.

Financial support and lump sum payments

The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine explained that a cash payment of 100 thousand hryvnias has been established for servicemen released from captivity, which is provided annually for the year during which the person was in captivity. This assistance is provided after confirmation of the fact of being in captivity, for which it is necessary to submit an application to the Ministry of Community and Territorial Development. The following are entitled to receive it:

• released from captivity – for each full year of captivity, except for those years for which the benefit was already accrued to a member of their family;

• family members – for persons who continue to be in captivity.

If a released person applies in person, information or supporting documents certifying the fact of deprivation of liberty for each year for which he/she requests the accrual of assistance are added to the standard package of documents.

The application can be completed online through the official portals of the Ministry of Development or the National Information Bureau, adding copies of documents certifying the identity, identification code and bank account details.

In addition to the one-time payment, annual financial support is provided for the years of imprisonment, which applies to both the released persons themselves and their family members. Obtaining the status of a person deprived of liberty as a result of aggression requires separate paperwork, and a certificate of captivity is provided by the National Information Bureau.

Medical support and rehabilitation

The Ministry of Defense specialists also explained that medical support for released servicemen includes both initial examinations and laboratory tests, as well as consultations with narrow specialists and a comprehensive final medical examination.

As part of the rehabilitation program, released servicemen receive individual recommendations on further treatment, rehabilitation procedures, access to social services, and the possibility of treatment abroad in cases where this is necessary for recovery health.

At the same time, special attention is paid to psychological support and legal assistance, since being in captivity often leaves a deep mark on the psycho-emotional state of the military. Access to consultations with lawyers and social workers allows the released to promptly resolve the issue of restoring their social status and ensuring their legal rights.

The status of a participant in hostilities and social guarantees

The Ministry of Defense noted that released military personnel automatically receive the status of a participant in hostilities through the Unified State Register of War Veterans. At the same time, injuries and diseases acquired during captivity are equated with combat injuries, which opens access to benefits and guarantees provided for combatants.

Legal and social support includes priority housing provision, provision of retraining vouchers, job retention, the possibility of receiving credit vacations, as well as targeted support in the field of education. These mechanisms allow military personnel not only to restore domestic and economic aspects of life, but also to integrate into the social and professional environment after a long stay in captivity.

Vacation and adaptation period

According to specialists from the Ministry of Defense, after release from captivity, each serviceman is granted 90 days of paid leave, which cannot be divided and during which full financial support is maintained. Leave can be interrupted or changed only with the personal consent of the serviceman, which allows for the necessary time to restore physical and psychological condition.

Discharged servicemen have the right to leave service starting in May 2024 and receive a deferral from mobilization through the Administrative Services Centers, which allows them to plan their future lives without additional pressure and risk.

As the Ministry of Defense emphasizes, in order to receive all types of support, discharged servicemen must submit appropriate applications to state authorities in a timely manner, carefully prepare documents, and provide confirmation of the fact of being in captivity. The use of electronic services significantly simplifies the process of receiving one-time payments and annual assistance, and also provides prompt access to medical, social and legal services.

The developed mechanisms for supporting military personnel released from captivity demonstrate the state’s systematic approach to restoring the rights and social integration of individuals who have undergone severe trials. This comprehensive package of guarantees is aimed at ensuring that the return to civilian and professional life is safe, structured and provides the highest possible level of social stability.