Paroled soldiers gain eligibility for promotions and transfers within ZSU
The Ministry of Defence of Ukraine has approved procedures for granting military ranks and enabling transfers for soldiers released on parole. The administrative rules were updated under Order No. 325 to align with Law No. 4931-IX. The changes expand the career and service rights of contract soldiers who joined the armed forces after early release. This is reported by the portal PromPolitInform, citing information from the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine.
The Ministry of Defence of Ukraine removed regulatory barriers that previously prevented paroled soldiers from receiving next military ranks during their administrative supervision period. The updated rules also apply to mobilized personnel who received suspended sentences from courts.
“Soldiers who defended Ukraine after parole perform combat tasks and risk their lives equally with everyone else. Therefore, the state must recognize their contribution to the country’s defence capability and provide opportunities for a military career based on merit. These changes are about justice,” said Deputy Minister of Defence of Ukraine Liubov Halan.
New Rules for Military Ranks
When entering contract military service, soldiers retain the ranks held prior to enlistment. Under the new rules, these servicemen can now receive primary sergeant, petty officer, and officer ranks concurrently with their appointment to a relevant position and contract execution.
While serving in specialized units, promotions are capped at staff sergeant for enlisted personnel and captain for officers. Following a transfer from specialized units to regular parts of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, promotions follow general regulations.
Transfers to Other ZSU Units
Paroled military personnel may now transfer from specialized units to other parts of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Such transfers require the termination of administrative supervision and at least one year of contract service.
Transfers are also permitted based on military medical board decisions regarding fitness for service in support units, recruitment centres, educational facilities, medical, or logistics units. This provision applies in cases of service-related injuries or illnesses, subject to the soldier’s written consent.
Discharge Grounds and Leave Entitlements
The revised regulations allow former prisoners to request military discharge following release from captivity, upon establishing service-related disability, or if declared unfit for service. Command may terminate contracts upon a new criminal conviction or demobilization.
Former captives from this category are entitled to 90 calendar days of additional paid leave without division into parts. Additionally, after completing administrative supervision and one year of service, soldiers become eligible for 15 days of annual basic leave.
Photo: Ministry of Defence of Ukraine
