Ukraine’s Defense Ministry Backs Private Military Company Bill

The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense has expressed support for a bill concerning international private military companies and has proposed amendments to address its reservations about the legislation. This was reported by the Government Portal.

The bill, registered under number 11214 and initiated by Member of Parliament Serhiy Hryvko, aims to legalize and regulate the operations of international private military companies (PMCs) in Ukraine. However, the Ministry of Defense points out that the current draft of the bill is not in line with the Constitution of Ukraine, the laws “On Defense of Ukraine” and “On Intelligence,” and contradicts international treaties and the Montreux Document on the functioning of international PMCs during armed conflicts.

The Ministry argues that establishing a new legal framework for military consulting activities requires integrating international best practices with national legislation. To address this, it proposes forming a working group, including representatives from the Ministry of Defense and other relevant bodies, to revise the bill before its second reading.

The bill proposes the creation of a State Service of Ukraine for International private military companies, which will oversee the regulation and management of such entities. This new body will be subordinate to the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense and will control their activities, register agreements, and account for their weapons and equipment.

According to the bill, International private military companies would be allowed to provide defense services outside Ukraine. Only residents of Ukraine can be founders of such companies, and their employees can include Ukrainian citizens, foreigners, and stateless persons with military service experience in Ukrainian armed formations.

The bill also outlines the potential functions of PMCs, including organizing security measures, protecting facilities, tactical training, mine clearance, and providing security consultations. It allows these companies to use weapons and equipment, and to purchase or lease military equipment from Ukrainian military units.

Currently, the bill has not yet been reviewed by the parliamentary session hall, even in its first reading. The Ministry of Defense insists on the need for further revisions to align the bill with existing legislation and international standards.