Administrative and legal support for psychological support and rehabilitation of servicemen of the armed forces of Ukraine

Abstract

The article explores the administrative and legal framework for providing psychological support and rehabilitation to servicemen of the Armed Forces of Ukraine amid prolonged armed aggression. It analyzes the current state of normative-legal regulation in this area, including key legislative acts, subordinate normative documents, and their compliance with the urgent needs of servicemen who have suffered psycho-emotional trauma due to combat operations. The main gaps have been identified, including insufficient systematization, lack of clear procedures for providing psychological assistance, and the need to improve coordination between government bodies, military units, and healthcare institutions. Special attention is given to the analysis of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine Resolution № 1338, which defines the main principles, forms, and levels of providing free psychological support to war veterans and their families. The influence of the Law of Ukraine "On Rehabilitation of Persons with Disabilities in Ukraine," which expands legal guarantees for servicemen affected by martial law conditions, is also discussed. The authors emphasize the necessity of adopting a specialized legislative act regulating psychological assistance at a systemic level, as well as amending relevant normative acts to enhance administrative and legal mechanisms. Approaches to the formation of an integrated and comprehensive system of psychological support are proposed, taking into account both international experience and the specifics of current military challenges, ensuring effective protection of servicemen’s mental health and increasing their combat readiness.