Freed Ukrainian POWs to receive higher medical payments under new law

The new legislation, Law No. 4632-IX, expands benefits that were previously available only to service members who sustained injuries, concussions, or disabilities during combat.

Many Ukrainian soldiers returning from Russian captivity suffer from severe health conditions requiring long-term care, Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko said.

Another provision of the law will take effect on Nov. 14, requiring that medical authorities issue a certificate confirming the circumstances of a soldier’s injury or illness while in captivity within five days of receiving the initial medical records.

Earlier this year, on July 28, Zelenskyy signed legislation providing UAH 15 million (about $370,000) in one-time payments to the families of Ukrainian soldiers who died while held captive in Russia.

The measure followed a July 16 vote by Ukraine’s parliament, which amended the law on the social and legal protection of military personnel and their families to include such compensation.