MoD approves Procedure for Reintegration Measures for service members released from captivity
The Ministry of Defence of Ukraine has approved the Procedure for Organizing Reintegration Measures for Defenders of Ukraine Released from Captivity, to be implemented within the Ministry of Defence’s system. The Procedure defines a system for the comprehensive rehabilitation of service members after their return from captivity.
The relevant Order No. 671, dated October 8, 2025, has been signed by the Minister of Defence.
The purpose of the reintegration measures is to ensure the comprehensive post-isolation recovery of released defenders of Ukraine — including the restoration of physical and mental health, optimal work capacity, and social activity — as prerequisites for returning to service.
The main objectives of reintegration are as follows:
- restoration of the functions of the body’s organs and systems;
- restoration of cognitive, regulatory, and communicative mental functions;
- prevention and treatment of mental and behavioral disorders;
- restoration of social ties and family relationships;
- preservation of essential information regarding the circumstances of captivity.
The Procedure provides for the organization of reintegration measures in three stages:
The preparatory stage begins upon notification of an upcoming release and includes identifying reintegration centers and forming reintegration teams composed of debriefers*, psychologists, and social work specialists.
The main stage consists of two phases:
- The first phase includes meeting released defenders at the exchange point, conducting an initial medical examination, and transporting them to reintegration centers.
- The second phase includes comprehensive medical examinations, documentation of signs of torture, debriefings, psychological support, social support, and the restoration of personal documents.
The additional stage applies to service members who require extended recovery at specialized healthcare facilities.
The document guarantees released defenders the right to dignity, confidentiality in all procedures, voluntary participation in non-mandatory activities, and protection from re-traumatization.
All service members released from captivity are required to participate in reintegration measures, which take place at reintegration centers designated by the Ministry of Defence and, if necessary, at healthcare facilities.
Reintegration activities are carried out by a dedicated reintegration team that includes a team leader, debriefers, military psychologists, and social work specialists. All team members undergo specialized training in reintegration and post-isolation support.
After completing the main reintegration program and returning to their military unit, released defenders receive post-isolation support for the following 12-month period.
The Procedure was developed by the Department for Psychological Support in accordance with the Law of Ukraine ‘On Amendments to Certain Laws of Ukraine Regarding the Social Protection of Military Personnel and Police Officers’ and the Law of Ukraine ‘On the Mental Health System in Ukraine’.
* Debriefer — a specially trained service member or employee who has completed an advanced qualification course on the reintegration and post-isolation support of Ukrainian defenders released from captivity. The debriefer is qualified to conduct reintegration activities, collect, analyze, and systematize the experiences of service members during captivity, and is responsible for organizing and conducting debriefings.