The Law on the Military Ombudsman is Stalled in the Rada: Why the Authorities Do Not Want Control.

The draft law on the military ombudsman, which was labeled urgent by the president in May, has not yet been presented in the Verkhovna Rada. According to former Chief Military Prosecutor of Ukraine Viktor Chumak, the reason for this is the authorities' reluctance to create another control body.

Why is the military ombudsman law not being considered in the Rada?

The draft law on the military ombudsman has still not received a decision after three months. 'The specialized committee prepared proposals for the second reading a month ago, but the document has not been brought to a vote', Chumak noted.

The expert believes that the main reason for the delay is that the authorities do not want to create an additional independent control body. 'It is about an organization capable of monitoring the activities of the top military leadership, the government, and even the president', the expert explained.

Chumak also believes that the acting military ombudsman Olga Reshetilova is professional and independent, but her principled position may cause discomfort for the authorities. 'She will speak frankly about the real state of affairs, and that is what not everyone likes', Chumak added.

Recall that Reshetilova stated that the majority of cases of desertion occur in training centers where mobilized soldiers are located.

Additionally, an experimental project has started in Ukraine, under which civilian psychologists, lawyers, and volunteers will be involved in the work of the military registration and enlistment offices and training centers.