Military Ombudsman: Most Complaints Concern Missing Soldiers

In her recent interview with RBC-Ukraine, Military Ombudsman Olga Kobylinska (Reshetylova) shared critical insights regarding the nature of complaints received by her office. She noted that the majority of these complaints are related to servicemen who have disappeared under special circumstances. This issue is particularly significant as it affects not only the military personnel themselves but also their families, who are left in a state of uncertainty and anxiety.

Kobylinska emphasized that, in addition to cases of missing persons, her office receives requests for referrals to military medical commissions (VLC), previously known as the Medical and Social Expert Commission (MSEC), now referred to as EKOPOF. She also pointed out that a substantial portion of inquiries concerns the referral of servicemen for medical treatment, discharge from military service, and transfers to different duty stations.

The Military Ombudsman highlighted that complaints related to physical and psychological violence constitute about 3% of the total complaints received. In contrast, grievances regarding the actions of officials from Territorial Recruitment and Social Support Centers (TRC and SP) account for only 2%, as these matters fall outside her jurisdiction.

Kobylinska recounted instances where families of servicemen reach out to her due to a lack of communication with their loved ones. For example, this often occurs when a serviceman is mobilized and immediately transported to a training center or military unit, without the opportunity to contact their family. This situation causes significant concern and distress for relatives who are left unaware of the circumstances surrounding their loved ones.

The Military Ombudsman stressed the importance of maintaining communication between military personnel and their families, especially during prolonged assignments in combat situations. She underscored that military command must ensure that servicemen have the means to communicate with their families in any possible way, as the absence of such communication adversely affects the morale of both the servicemen and their relatives.

According to reports from Ukrinform, the Office of the Military Ombudsman has been receiving over a hundred inquiries daily from servicemen and their family members even before its official launch. Following the formal establishment of this institution, this number is expected to increase, highlighting the relevance and importance of the Ombudsman's work in protecting the rights of military personnel.

In the context of ongoing warfare and the constant challenges faced by servicemen, the support and protection of their rights become particularly crucial. The Military Ombudsman, as a representative of military interests, must ensure an adequate level of communication and support for all who serve and their families.