Payments for the entire period of treatment and rehabilitation: what is changing for Ukraine’s military personnel

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has signed a law removing the time limit on the retention of monetary allowances for military personnel undergoing treatment or rehabilitation.

This was reported by RBC-Ukraine, citing the press service of the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense.

On August 22, 2026, the Verkhovna Rada received back the president-signed draft law on ensuring the rights of military personnel, veterans, and prisoners of war released from captivity to proper medical care, rehabilitation, and prosthetics. The document was assigned number №4954-IX and amends a number of other legislative acts.

Under the new provisions, Ukrainian military personnel will retain their monetary allowance for the entire duration of inpatient treatment or rehabilitation — including at healthcare facilities in foreign countries.

Prior to the law taking effect, a different rule applied: monetary allowance at the rate of the last held position was retained for a period of up to 12 months. If treatment lasted more than 4 months, a conclusion from a military medical commission (MMC) confirming the need for extended treatment was required to continue payments. Once the new provisions enter into force, the duration of treatment will no longer limit a service member’s right to retain monetary allowance to 12 months — on grounds determined by the Cabinet of Ministers.

The Ministry of Defense clarified, however, that the new law does not mean the automatic retention of all additional payments, including additional bonuses.

“The conditions for their payment will be determined by a separate Cabinet of Ministers resolution,” the ministry explained.

The requirement to undergo a military medical commission examination is not abolished by the law. After treatment, but no later than 12 months from its commencement, a service member is required to undergo a medical examination to determine fitness for military service. If treatment lasts more than 12 months, a repeat MMC examination is conducted at least once every 4 months in the manner established by the Cabinet of Ministers.

The law also regulates matters of nutrition and prosthetics. Certain categories of military personnel will be provided with enhanced nutrition at healthcare and rehabilitation facilities — the list of categories is presented in an infographic in the Ministry of Defense’s publication. In addition, it is guaranteed that the treatment and rehabilitation of the relevant categories will be carried out on equal terms at the expense of the state budget. Certain categories of citizens — whose list is established by the document — are also to be provided with high-functional prostheses and/or orthoses at state expense, that is, free of charge.