Ukraine is preparing changes to the rules governing military service for pregnant women and parents with children

Bill No. 13436, which is being prepared for consideration in the second reading, aims to regulate military service for pregnant female service members, single parents, and military couples with minor children. 

The bill was drafted to address legislative gaps that previously allowed these groups to be assigned to tasks involving high physical exertion or performed under difficult conditions.

The main proposed changes are as follows:

• A 5-day workweek with two days off is being introduced for pregnant female service members.

• The option to transfer to another unit is introduced if performing current duties poses a threat to health.

• Pregnant service members may be assigned to combat missions, night shifts, overtime, and 24-hour duty only with their consent and upon the recommendation of a physician.

• Eased service conditions (regarding 24-hour duty shifts, combat missions, business trips, and service transfers) will apply to female service members with children under 3 years of age, military personnel raising children on their own, and spouses of military personnel if their child is under 14 years of age.

Source: Office of the Military Ombudsman.

Olga Reshetilova, who assumed the position of Military Ombudsman in October 2025, explained who will be part of the Office of the Military Ombudsman and how many people will work there. 

First Deputy Military Ombudsman Colonel Ruslan Tsygankov announced the implementation of special security measures for service members who file complaints with the office.