More than two million veterans are currently registered in Ukraine, and after the end of hostilities, their total number could increase to five or six million people. According to monitoring data from the Ombudsman's Office, more than half of demobilized fighters are convinced that state institutions are failing to fulfill their obligations to protect their legitimate rights and interests. Verkhovna Rada Commissioner for Human Rights Dmytro Lubinets stated in an interview with RBC-Ukraine that instead of full-fledged support, servicemen face continuous bureaucratic red tape.
Scale of the problem and bureaucratic barriers
According to the Ombudsman, about one million citizens who gave part of their health at the front and were discharged from service for health reasons openly declare the inaction of the authorities. Returning from the combat zone or enemy captivity, former military personnel, instead of rehabilitation and social integration, are forced to engage in long and exhausting proceedings with officials. The current social protection and medical care system has turned out to be unprepared to serve such a flow of people in need of special attention.
Forecasts for the growth of the veteran community
State structures and analysts predict a multiple increase in the veteran community as the conflict continues and eventually concludes. Estimates from the Ombudsman's Office indicate that after the end of the war, the figure will reach between five and six million people. This will require a radical restructuring of the entire state policy, the introduction of new standards of rehabilitation, employment, psychological assistance, and legal protection.
Additional Ombudsman initiatives in mobilization
Against the background of discussing veterans' rights, Dmytro Lubinets also touched upon the work of territorial recruitment and social support centers. He emphasized the mandatory use of personal body cameras by TCC employees while performing official duties. In the absence of video recording, the Ombudsman proposed introducing a presumption of guilt for employees, which, in his opinion, will help restore public trust and minimize abuses.
Prospects for reforming veteran policy
The situation involving the distrust of a significant portion of veterans toward the state requires immediate and systemic managerial decisions. The experience of millions of demobilized citizens shows that targeted support measures no longer work, and bureaucratic obstacles in obtaining statuses and benefits undermine social stability. Further steps by the authorities must be aimed at creating transparent digital services, simplifying procedures, and providing real legal protection for every defender.
