New approach expands the range of court rulings that will take effect without appeal
The Ministry of Defence of Ukraine is waiving unpromising appeals against court decisions in cases involving the death or disappearance of service members. This move aims to speed up the process of issuing social benefits and financial aid to the families of fallen and missing defenders. This is reported by the portal PromPolitInform, citing information from the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine.
Adopted court decisions will enter into force faster if the circumstances of the case are properly confirmed and there are no grounds for appeal. Families will no longer have to wait for the completion of formal court proceedings in appellate and cassation courts.
“The changes should eliminate unnecessary bureaucratic procedures and ensure proper social and legal protection of service members and their family members,” stated Deputy Minister of Defence of Ukraine Liubov Halan.
Categories of Cases Exempt From Ministry Appeals
The ministry will not appeal decisions declaring a service member deceased if written positions and internal investigation materials from the military unit are present. Additional conditions include the participation of the military unit in the case and compliance with Civil Code provisions and Supreme Court practice.
A similar approach will apply to cases establishing the fact of death when investigation materials confirm it and the military unit is involved. Decisions establishing family relationships involving corrections of clerical errors in names will also not be contested.
The updated practice covers paternity establishment cases backed by DNA test results. Rulings establishing facts that grant rights to benefits regarding missing in action or captivity status will not be appealed if the status and eligible recipients are duly confirmed.
Individual Assessment and Decision Background
The defence ministry emphasizes that waiving appeals will not be automatic across all cases. Each case will be evaluated individually based on evidence and the military unit’s official stance, and appeals will still be filed if the ministry’s legal interests are infringed.
The new framework expands upon the practice initiated by the Minister of Defence on April 18, 2025, regarding one-time financial assistance payments. The decision from September 11, 2026, broadens this policy to a wider scope of socially sensitive cases.
If a court ruling meeting the specified criteria is still appealed, citizens are advised to contact the Ministry of Defence hotline at 1512.
Photo: Ministry of Defence of Ukraine
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