**New Military Ombudsman to Be Appointed in Ukraine**
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced that a new Military Ombudsman will be chosen and appointed soon. The decision comes as part of efforts to ensure soldiers have a mechanism to report violations of their rights.
The Military Ombudsman will be responsible for investigating complaints from servicemen, providing legal assistance, conducting inspections, and looking into cases of abuse and torture.
This move follows recent reports of abuse in Ukraine’s 211th Pontoon Bridge Brigade. Senior Lieutenant Vladyslav Pastukh has been accused of abusing authority, beating, and humiliating subordinates. His godfather, Colonel Oleh Poberezhniuk, was detained for failing to address these allegations.
**Incidents at the 211th Pontoon Bridge Brigade**
In one alleged case of abuse, a soldier was tied to a wooden cross for four hours by Senior Lieutenant Vladyslav Pastukh. This incident sparked widespread outrage and calls for action from authorities.
The President has said that the new Military Ombudsman will work with human rights organizations and the Ministry of Defense to establish a framework for their operation.
**Global Comparison**
This is not the first time an ombudsman has been appointed in other militaries. Countries like Norway, Austria, Czechia, Belgium, and Sweden have long had an ombudsman overseeing the rights of military personnel.
**Additional Developments**
Ukraine’s Air Force denied claims that a Ukrainian pilot surrendered to Russian forces in Kursk Oblast.
The funds from Latvia will support Ukraine’s defense strategy by producing long-range drones, missiles, and artillery.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev reported an Azerbaijan Airlines plane was rendered uncontrollable by electronic warfare before crashing.
Russia has escalated its aerial assault on Ukraine, launching over 280 guided bombs and 370 attack drones in the past week.
**International Reactions**
U.S. President Joe Biden said Russia’s apology for a deadly crash appears to acknowledge Moscow’s responsibility.
President Zelensky expressed condolences to the families of victims after a tragic Jeju Air plane crash killed at least 176 people.
Andriy Yermak warned that the appearance of North Korean troops in Russian or Iranian uniforms on NATO borders is quite realistic if Russia is not stopped now.