Presidential Decree Amended
On March 10, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy amended a decree to allow military personnel to assume the roles of deputy heads of the Dnipropetrovsk Regional State Administration. This move is part of a broader initiative to integrate military figures into state structures under the conditions of martial law. The Dnipropetrovsk region is a critical industrial and logistical hub that has faced significant security challenges since the full-scale invasion began.
The amendments were made to Article 2 of Ukrainian Presidential Decree No. 126/2017, dated May 3, 2017. The new decree approving these changes is numbered 233/2026. Under the new provisions, military personnel can now fill two deputy head positions within the regional administration, expanding the opportunities for armed forces representatives in local governance.
Expanding the Military's Role in Civil Administration
Previously, the president enacted similar changes permitting military service members to hold positions in the Ministry of Veterans Affairs. This underscores the military's growing role in state management and the perceived need for their involvement in processes related to recovery and the support of local administrations during the difficult conditions of war.
The decree includes language concerning a list of positions within state bodies, institutions, and organizations that can be filled by service members of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, other military formations, and specialized law enforcement agencies. These changes highlight the government's effort to adapt its structures to the new realities dictated by the national situation.
These amendments signal an acceleration in the process of integrating military personnel into civilian administration, which may contribute to more effective regional governance during wartime. This also reflects the state's attempt to leverage military experience in addressing the socio-economic issues arising from the conflict. Supporting and rebuilding local administrations have become priority tasks in a climate of instability, demanding new approaches to management at all levels.