Military Ombudsman of Ukraine Olga Reshetylova reported that in 20 days of working in the position, she received 3,876 applications.
“For 20 days as the authorized representative of the President of Ukraine for the protection of the rights of military personnel and their family members, I received 3,876 appeals. They come in different ways: to the published phone number and mail, messages in personal messengers, official letters to the Office of the President, through the Ministry defense, during meetings or visits to hospitals”, – she noted.
Some of the appeals were not related to the protection of military rights and were redirected as appropriate, the rest related to consultations or clarifications. According to the ombudsman, the main problems in the appeals relate to two topics: non-referral to military medical commissions (MMCs) and treatment, as well as transfers between units.
Reshetylova emphasized that among the appeals there are cases of non-referral for treatment after injuries, for necessary operations or due to the consequences of contusions and mental disorders. She noted that this not only worsens the health of the military, but also reduces the effectiveness of combat missions and increases mortality due to diseases.
Regarding transfer problems, Reshetylova pointed to cases when commanders do not carry out orders or transfer soldiers to unwanted positions, which creates additional difficulties.
“Very often commanders do not carry out the transfer order or specifically transfer servicemen against their will to other positions, which complicates the execution of the order”, the ombudsman explained.
