The Ministry of Defence of Ukraine is introducing new rules for the submission and considering military personnel’s reports. The amendments are designed to protect the rights of military personnel, establish precise timeframes for the consideration of requests, and enhance the responsibility of commanders.

The new regulations outline the definition of a report and its various formats, including verbal, written, and electronic. They also establish a clear sequence and procedure for commanders to approve reports.

“Until now, there has been no single legal provision that regulates how reporting is done. As a result, issues arose in communicating the results of service members' reports, in their subsequent actions, and even in potential abuses by commanders in this area. We are now introducing a new system aimed at streamlining operations in this domain, outlining specific timelines, guidelines, and accountability measures for breaches. This will help protect service members' rights and facilitate addressing important issues,” Deputy Defence Minister Nataliia Kalmykova emphasized.

In addition, the new rules introduce mandatory justification for failing to approve the report and clear deadlines for considering it. The refusal to consider the report must be justified. Failure of the immediate commanders to approve the report does not preclude further report processing for consideration and decision.

For example, under the new regulations, all immediate commanders of service members must review a service member's written report immediately but no later than 48 hours after its submission, pertaining to the issues in the following matters:

•⁠  ⁠Military discipline

•⁠  ⁠Duties of personnel during the execution of combat orders (directives)

•⁠  ⁠Safeguarding the well-being and vitality of personnel

•⁠  ⁠Leave entitlements for family-related matters and other legitimate grounds

Reports regarding other issues are to be considered within 14 days of submission.

The Order also sets forth the consequences of violating executive discipline in reviewing reports and abusing the right to report. Simultaneously, the new Procedures guarantee that no one can be held liable for filing a report.

These amendments were approved by Order # 531, dated August 6, 2024, “On Approval of the Procedures for Managing Reports of Military Personnel in the System of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine”.

To reiterate, on August 8, 2024, the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine introduced the Army+ app, which allows military personnel to submit electronic reports. The Army+ application offers a total of 11 report types, which are grouped into four categories: Leave, Assistance, Referral, and Referral Issuance. Submitting the reports will only take a couple of minutes, and there are helpful hints to guide through the process. Sending reports for signature requires the service member's distinctive Army ID number.