TRANSFORMATION OF MECHANISMS FOR PROTECTING THE RIGHTS OF MILITARY PERSONNEL IN THE CONTEXT OF CONTEMPORARY ARMED CONFLICTS

Abstract

The article provides a comprehensive analysis of the relationship between the effectiveness of legal mechanisms for protecting the rights of military personnel and the combat readiness of the armed forces in conditions of protracted armed conflict. It examines how the implementation of legally guaranteed rights, such as legal, financial, food, medical and housing provisions, the right to leave, education and social support, directly affects the moral and psychological state of military personnel and their combat capability in conditions of armed conflict. Particular attention is paid to the analysis of new legal instruments introduced in Ukraine in 2024-2025 in response to the challenges of full-scale war. The mechanisms for protecting persons who have left their military units without permission are considered, which provide for the possibility of exemption from criminal liability on condition of voluntary return. Comprehensive guarantees for military personnel released from captivity are analysed, in particular the right to retain monetary support, medical and psychological rehabilitation, and social adaptation.

The gender aspect of military service is examined, in particular the evolution of legal and material support for women in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, including the introduction of adapted military uniforms and bulletproof vests.

The role of civil-military cooperation institutions in supporting the families of the wounded, killed and missing is also analysed.

The article analyses feedback mechanisms, in particular the practice of systematic anonymous surveys conducted by officers of psychological support units (PSU) to monitor the level of satisfaction with service conditions.

The study analysed and used current Ukrainian legislation, official data from the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine, scientific works by prominent Ukrainian scholars in the field of protecting the rights of military personnel, as well as materials from leading media outlets, which allowed for a comprehensive interdisciplinary approach to analysing the issue. It was concluded that an effective and flexible system for ensuring the rights of military personnel is an important factor in maintaining the combat readiness of the army and national security in general.