Servicemen of the Armed Forces of Ukraine who raise and support children with disabilities under the age of 18 will be able to transfer to military units at the place of residence of the children or in the nearest possible area. The Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine instructed the command to ensure compliance with the relevant rules when considering reports for family reasons.

The Office of the Military Ombudsman reported this on November 5.

The corresponding decision was made by the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on October 31, 2026, after an appeal from the Office. The commanders of the branches and services of the armed forces, as well as the heads of military command bodies, were informed of the requirement to strictly comply with the Regulation on the passage of military service by citizens of Ukraine in the Armed Forces of Ukraine when considering reports of servicemen who raise and support minor children with disabilities.

The transfer is provided for to equivalent or lower positions to military units or military command bodies located at the place of residence of the children or as close as possible to it. When making a decision, the staffing level of the relevant military units will be taken into account.

At the same time, the decision does not mean automatic transfer of all servicemen who have children with disabilities. It is about ensuring compliance with current norms when considering relevant reports. The possibility of transfer will depend on defined conditions, in particular the availability of an appropriate position and the personnel situation in military units.

The Office of the Military Ombudsman noted that such an approach should help servicemen participate more actively in raising children and caring for them.

Similar appeals the Office sent to the State Border Guard Service, the State Special Transport Service, and the National Guard of Ukraine. These structures were also offered to ensure the possibility of serving closer to the place of residence of children with disabilities. Currently, the Office is awaiting corresponding decisions from them.

According to materials from: Office of the Military Ombudsman