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Defending military rights

Protecting the Rights of Military Personnel — Legal Support During and After Service

A team of attorneys specializing in military law. We defend the rights of service members, veterans, and their families—from challenging unlawful orders and disciplinary decisions to securing financial compensation and benefits related to injury or death. The initial consultation is free.

Our clients

Who we help

Military service under martial law is not only a duty but also a system of legal safeguards that the state is obligated to strictly ensure for every service member.

 

In practice, these guarantees are often violated: payments are delayed, proper status is not granted, illegal orders are issued, and the rights of the wounded and the families of the fallen are ignored.

 

Everyone who wears or has worn military insignia has the right to be treated with respect by the state. We help defend this right.

Protection while on duty

Servicemen, enlisted personnel, and officers

Захищаємо права тих, хто проходить службу у ЗСУ, Нацгвардії, СБУ, ДПСУ, ДСНС та інших силових структурах.

After the service

Veterans and demobilized personnel

We assist with the transition back to civilian life: obtaining combatant status, applying for pensions and benefits, and restoring violated rights.

Social Protection

People with injuries and disabilities

Забезпечуємо реалізацію прав на належні виплати, статуси та соціальний захист після поранення чи інвалідності.

Loss of a breadwinner

Families of fallen servicemen

Допомагаємо оформити та отримати належні виплати, пенсію і вирішити пов’язані юридичні питання.

Legal Protection

Servicemembers under attack

Захищаємо у дисциплінарних та кримінальних провадженнях щодо військовослужбовців.

Areas of Focus

From combat pay to criminal defense—comprehensive support for service members

  • A commander does not have absolute authority in a legal sense. Orders that contradict the law, violate a service member’s rights, or are issued in excess of authority may be challenged. This is provided for by the Internal Service Regulations of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the Law of Ukraine “On Military Duty and Military Service,” and the rules of administrative procedure.

     

    We challenge: unlawful disciplinary action, unlawful deprivation of allowances and payments, unlawful transfer or demotion, refusal to discharge from military service when there are legal grounds, and unlawful contract extension without the servicemember’s consent.

     

    During martial law, some rules of military service have been temporarily modified and restricted. We are well aware of the rights that service members retain and what can realistically be challenged today.

  • A service member’s pay consists of a base salary, a rank-based salary, seniority allowances, combat pay, and additional allowances for special conditions of service. Failure to pay or partial payment of any of these components constitutes a violation of the law.

     

    In accordance with resolutions of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine in effect for 2025–2026, military personnel participating in combat operations are entitled to additional monetary compensation. We verify the accuracy of payments, identify unpaid amounts, and collect arrears through the courts or by administrative means.

     

    We also provide assistance with the following issues: payments for injuries or concussions, compensation for personal property destroyed or damaged during combat operations, and relocation allowances when moving to a new place of service.

  • An injury or disability sustained while performing combat duties entitles the individual to a one-time cash benefit, the assignment of a disability category and corresponding benefits, a preferential disability pension, state-funded medical rehabilitation, and a range of social benefits.

     

    In practice, the process of obtaining these benefits is fraught with bureaucratic obstacles: medical commissions delay the review of documents, the connection between the injury and military service is not recognized, and benefits are awarded at an unreasonably low amount.

     

    We guide you through the entire process: from preparing medical documentation and undergoing the medical examination to receiving the final payment. If the state violates the rights of the wounded person, we file a lawsuit.

  • The death of a service member while performing a combat mission entitles the family to: a one-time cash payment of 15 million hryvnias in accordance with the Law of Ukraine “On Social and Legal Protection of Service Members,” a survivor’s pension for the spouse and children, and a range of benefits and social guarantees for family members.

     

    Obtaining these payments on your own is difficult. Documents get lost, deadlines are delayed, and claims regarding the circumstances of death are denied. We handle the entire process—from gathering documents to receiving the payment. If the payment is wrongfully denied, we appeal through the courts.

  • Combatant status is more than just an entry on an ID card. It grants access to a preferential pension, medical care, employment benefits, and discounts on transportation, housing, and utilities.

     

    Problems with obtaining combatant status arise due to: improperly prepared documents, lack of supporting orders, or disputed circumstances regarding participation in combat operations. We help confirm this status through the appropriate authorities or in court—including the restoration of documents through archives and witness testimony.

  • Disciplinary proceedings pose a serious threat to your career, salary, and rights. Disciplinary regulations establish clear rules for workplace investigations, and any violations of these rules may serve as grounds for challenging decisions and imposed penalties.

     

    We support you at every stage: from the investigation and decision-making process to appealing penalties through administrative or judicial channels.

     

    You are not required to testify against yourself—especially in disciplinary proceedings. We ensure that your rights are protected every step of the way.

  • Criminal proceedings involving unauthorized absence from duty, insubordination, desertion, or looting are investigated by the State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) under the procedural supervision of the specialized defense prosecutor’s office.

     

    These cases have their own specific characteristics: strict deadlines, heightened public attention during wartime, and a special procedure for applying preventive measures. We defend military personnel in such proceedings—from the initial interrogation to sentencing—providing qualified defense regardless of the circumstances of the case.

  • Under martial law, discharge from military service is significantly restricted; however, legal grounds for discharge remain: health issues that make service impossible, reaching the age limit, family circumstances specified by law, and the expiration of the contract term for certain categories of service members.

     

    We carefully analyze your situation and determine whether there are legal grounds for discharge. If there are, and the command refuses—we help you appeal this decision. We do not promise the impossible, but we honestly show what can realistically be done in your case.

Work stages

How do we work?

Initial consultation

You describe the situation—we analyze the risks, explain possible scenarios, and answer your questions. The first 30 minutes are free.

1.

Analysis of materials

We review contracts, orders, pay stubs, medical records, and decisions by government agencies. We determine the facts and nature of the violation.

2.

Strategy development

We determine the best course of action: an administrative appeal, a lawsuit, or a complaint to the ombudsman or the prosecutor’s office. You’ll understand each step and its purpose.

3.

Active protection

We prepare documents, correspond with government agencies, and represent clients in court or before military authorities. We provide regular updates on the status of the case.

Monitoring implementation

A court ruling or decision by a government agency in your favor—and we’ll ensure it’s enforced until we achieve a tangible result.

5.

Contacts

Tell us about your situation and get a clear plan of action

We’ll explain what you can do right now to address your situation. We offer both online and in-person consultations at our office. The first consultation is free.

Our address:

40 Ivan Franko Street, Odesa

Phone:

+380 63 324 4619

Social networks:

Office hours:

Mon–Fri: 9:00 AM–6:00 PM

Sat–Sun: Closed

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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Yes. Martial law does not eliminate the right to judicial protection against unlawful decisions. Administrative courts continue to hear cases challenging the decisions and actions of commanders. The restrictions apply to certain categories of cases related to the direct execution of combat missions, but not to the full range of labor and legal relations within the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

  • You must undergo a medical examination, obtain a determination that the injury was sustained in the line of duty, gather the necessary documents, and submit an application through your command. In practice, this process is often delayed or met with denials. We are familiar with the current procedures and can help you navigate them without unnecessary delays.

  • This is one of the most difficult and painful situations. The “missing” status prevents most benefits from being granted. Through the courts, it is possible to establish the fact of death or have the status changed if evidence is available. We handle such cases and understand their particular complexity.

  • First, do not sign any statements or documents without consulting a lawyer. Disciplinary proceedings are subject to procedural requirements, and any violation of these requirements may serve as grounds for overturning the penalty. Contact us before the official proceedings begin—this will give you the best chance of a successful defense.

  • Yes, if the Medical Examination Commission has determined that you are unfit or only partially fit for military service. The procedure involves undergoing a medical examination, receiving the Medical Examination Commission’s decision, and submitting a report. We guide you through this process and assist you in the event of an unjustified denial.

  • This depends on length of service, combat veteran status, disability category, and other factors. Veterans with 25 or more years of service are eligible for a length-of-service pension. Combat veterans are eligible for additional supplements. We calculate each case individually and verify that the Pension Fund of Ukraine has taken all components into account.

  • Partially, yes. The law provides certain safeguards for mobilized business owners and protection against the seizure of property in specific cases. However, there are not enough general, automatic safeguards. We analyze your specific situation and help protect your civil interests during your service.

  • We defend rights related to financial compensation, social benefits, pensions, disciplinary matters, and the legality of official decisions.

  • We guarantee a professional approach, an experienced team, and a tailored strategy; however, the outcome depends on the circumstances of each individual case.

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