Guarantees in the event of detention and procedures for military personnel: recommendations from the UNBA Committee

Most often, military personnel turn to advocates regarding frozen bank accounts and delays in discharge. Step-by-step procedures have been prepared for such situations. A guide on one-time financial assistance has been provided for the families of those killed in action. And the new regulations governing the stay of mobilized individuals at TCCs require changes regarding guarantees of communication with an advocate.

These recommendations were presented during a meeting of the UNBA Committee on the protection of victims of armed aggression against Ukraine, compensation mechanisms and European integration legal support for recovery, which took place on October 29. Committee chairman Andriy Yermak reported that the «Advocate+» project already covers more than 40 brigades.

Issues related to enforcement proceedings and the lifting of account freezes account for up to 30% of inquiries in certain brigades. Therefore, a guideline was prepared for military personnel, the overarching principle of which is that a debtor’s obligations take effect automatically, while their rights are granted only upon application. Funds may be collected without the debtor’s participation; therefore, the grounds for suspending proceedings provided for in paragraph 1 of Part 1 of Article 34 of the Law «On enforcement proceedings» do not apply to the debtor. Furthermore, suspension does not lift the freeze.

Upon application to the enforcement officer, the account may be unblocked for expenditure transactions within the limit of two minimum wages. If the enforcement officer refuses to lift the attachment from an account into which financial support is deposited, it is advisable to file an application to designate a current account and, at the same time, challenge the enforcement officer’s actions. After banks are required to connect to the automated enforcement proceedings system, the order to lift the freeze reaches the bank in about an hour. At the same time, access to the system is now only possible with a qualified electronic signature, which many military personnel do not have.

A summary regarding discharge from military service contains a list of documents for each ground for discharge and debunks common myths. In particular, a contract signed during martial law is not automatically renewed but only at the service member’s discretion. After discharge, one must register with the TCC within five days. For disputes regarding payments, it is important to remember the one-month deadline for filing a lawsuit and to request a payment certificate.

A guide for families of the deceased regarding one-time financial assistance explains several key points: who is eligible for the payment; where to apply depending on where the servicemember served — in the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) or the National Guard of Ukraine (NGU); what documents the military unit prepares; and why it is important to verify the date on the death certificate. A checklist of required documents is included with the guide.

During the meeting, advocates also discussed the advisability of amending Order No. 423 of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine dated October 6, 2026, which approved the Instructions on the organization of the stay of mobilized persons at TCCs and Training Centers. Among other things, proposals were made to prohibit TCC and SP employees from performing duties with a malfunctioning body camera until it is replaced, to stipulate that administrative detention under Article 210, 210-1 of the Code of Administrative Offenses is carried out by the police with a report drawn up on the spot, to ensure that the detainee has the opportunity to contact relatives or an advocate within 30 minutes of arrival, and to record on video any refusal of legal assistance.