Legal support for prisoners of war and military personnel released from captivity: Provision of free legal assistance

The Ministry of Defence of Ukraine ensures that defenders have access to legal support to clarify the procedure for remedying violations of their rights. The state guarantees military personnel released from captivity access to justice at no financial cost to them. 

The Ministry of Defence provides free primary legal assistance, which includes:

• Informing individuals of their rights, freedoms, and obligations.
• Explaining the procedures for exercising and protecting their rights.
• Drafting applications, complaints, and other legal documents (excluding procedural documents).
• Ensuring access to secondary legal aid and mediation services.

Requests for free primary legal assistance (FPLA) are accepted by the Ministry of Defence in accordance with the legislation on citizens’ appeals, and review of such requests is conducted under the Law of Ukraine "On Free Legal Assistance.” Requests solely seeking legal information are processed within 15 days of receipt. Requests for other types of FPLA are addressed within 30 calendar days.

Detailed information on the procedure for submitting requests to the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine, including submission forms and contact details, is available at this link.

Free secondary legal assistance is provided by specialized centers and attorneys listed in the official Register of Specialists operating within the free secondary legal assistance framework. This legal assistance includes:

• Defense within the scope of criminal proceedings.
• Representation of interests in courts, state authorities, local self-government bodies, and in dealings with other parties.
• Drafting procedural documents.

It is important to note that military personnel can access free secondary legal assistance both during captivity and after release. 

Additionally, Ukrainian legislation provides for the reimbursement of expenses for professional legal services for prisoners of war who opt for paid legal assistance. Reimbursement is available within limits set by the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine.