Draft Law on State Protection for Military Leaders
A draft law has been registered in Ukraine's Verkhovna Rada to provide state protection for high-ranking military commanders and their families during wartime. The bill was developed by MPs Fedor Venislavsky, Dmytro Priputen, and Oleksandr Fedienko. Its primary aim is to ensure the continuity and stability of the military command system under martial law or a state of war in Ukraine by protecting individuals who hold or have held key military positions. This legislative move comes amid heightened security risks for Ukraine's leadership during the ongoing conflict.
Positions Eligible for Protection
The draft law has been submitted for review to the Committee on National Security, Defense, and Intelligence. The explanatory note specifies that protection may be granted to individuals holding the following categories of positions:
- Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces
- Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces
- Minister of Internal Affairs
- Head of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU)
- Head of the Foreign Intelligence Service
- Head of the Main Intelligence Directorate
- Their deputies
- Commander of the Joint Forces of the Armed Forces
- Commanders of branches and separate arms of the Armed Forces
- Commander of the National Guard of Ukraine
- Head of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine
- Head of the National Police of Ukraine
It is worth noting that on February 8, 2024, President Volodymyr Zelensky dismissed Valerii Zaluzhnyi, who was later appointed ambassador to the United Kingdom. On the same day, Oleksandr Syrskyi was appointed Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. Furthermore, on January 5, 2026, Vasyl Maliuk submitted his resignation as head of the SBU, and on January 13, 2026, the Verkhovna Rada approved his dismissal with 235 MPs voting in favor.
Therefore, the new draft law seeks to enhance the protection of military leaders during wartime and ensure stability in managing Ukraine's security sector. In the context of the prolonged conflict and the threats facing high-ranking officials, this initiative could represent a significant step toward safeguarding their security and maintaining the effectiveness of national defense management structures.
In addition to the recent legislative initiatives aimed at safeguarding military leaders, the ongoing changes in Ukraine's defense leadership are also noteworthy. For instance, the recent appointment of new officials, including a clemency commission led by Kyrylo Budanov, reflects the government's efforts to adapt to the evolving security landscape. These developments underscore the importance of maintaining stability and effective leadership during these challenging times.