Military personnel released from Russian captivity receive an expanded package of payments and benefits from the state

Mykolaiv Regional Territorial Center for Recruitment and Social Support reported that Ukrainian servicemembers who were released from Russian captivity are entitled to an extended package of state payments, benefits and social guarantees; this is reported on the institution’s official page on the social network Facebook.

Immediately after it is confirmed that a servicemember was held in captivity, they receive a one-time cash payment of 100 000 hryvnias. Additionally, the state pays annual support — 100 000 hryvnias for each full year spent in captivity. During captivity, the servicemember’s pay is preserved and may be sent to relatives or deposited into a personal account until their return.

After release, a paid leave of 90 days is provided. A full range of medical and rehabilitation assistance is also guaranteed: examinations, consultations with relevant specialists, sanatorium-resort treatment, as well as psychological support and legal assistance.

With a conclusion from the military medical commission (MMC) and the consent of the receiving country, treatment abroad is possible. Servicemembers returning from captivity are provided access to necessary medical infrastructure and long-term recovery programs.

Participant-in-combat-operations status is granted automatically. Injuries and illnesses acquired during captivity are equated with combat injuries, which opens access to benefits and compensations provided by law.

Former captives are entitled to housing, retraining and educational support, job retention, as well as loan payment holidays. These measures are intended to help with adaptation and return to civilian life or continuation of service depending on health status.

Since May 2024, servicemembers released from captivity may, at their own discretion, terminate their contract and leave the service. In addition, they are granted a deferment from mobilization, which is automatically extended every 90 days provided the relevant state registry contains correct data.

Previously we wrote:

• 11 children, captivity and disability: a family of Ukraine’s defenders waited for housing in Mykolaiv for over 10 years
• More than 2,500 Ukrainian defenders are in captivity – Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine
• A 75% discount on utility services is provided to participants in combat operations: how to obtain it
• Ukrainian defenders in captivity after leaving Avdiivka: an appeal for international support
• 13 land plots in the Korablenyi District will be allocated for participants in combat operations