On April 9, the National University of Ostroh Academy hosted a meeting between students of the “Political Science”, “National Security”, and “International Relations” Programmes and Olha Reshetylova, a graduate of the Academy’s “Political Science” Programme, Ukrainian human rights advocate and journalist, who served as the Presidential Commissioner for the Protection of the Rights of Military Personnel and Their Families in 2024-2025 and is now Ukraine’s first Military Ombudsman.
Introducing the guest, Rector of the National University of Ostroh Academy, Doctor of Science (Psychology) and Professor Eduard Balashov, noted:
“Olha Reshetylova has been exceptionally active since her student years. She developed her professional skills and headed the university’s Public Relations Department. Her professional journey has included many years of work in journalism and human rights advocacy. Ms Reshetylova’s journey from Ostroh Academy to becoming a recognised Ukrainian and international human rights advocate is a powerful example of how knowledge can be transformed into real strength and how a person can shape their own path and identity.”
Olha Reshetylova shared her personal and professional journey with the students, speaking in particular about her studies at Ostroh Academy, the founding of the “Povernys Zhyvym” (“Come Back Alive”) Project, and the establishment and work of the Office of the Military Ombudsman:
- “The most important thing is to stand up for the principles and values that I learned at Ostroh Academy. After all, the strong sense of spirituality and profound knowledge fostered at this university stay with you for life. They are what can help you choose the right path in different situations.
- I always say that I am very proud of my education. Many of my colleagues went on to pursue a second or even a third degree, but I have never felt the need to do so, because Ostroh Academy gave me everything I needed. You are studying at the best university in Ukraine, but the most important thing is to make the most of the time you have now.
- In 2014, we founded the project that is now the “Povernys Zhyvym” (“Come Back Alive”) Foundation, with efficiency as our guiding principle. This marked a new chapter in the history of charity in Ukraine. And my experience at Ostroh Academy greatly helped me establish this project.
- Human rights and freedoms are the foundation on which a modern state is built, and they are something we should never question. Throughout my journey, I have sought to strengthen the Ukrainian Armed Forces as much as possible as an instrument of protecting both my own freedom and that of my people. Because where our Armed Forces are absent, unfortunately, there are no human rights or freedom.
- The Office of the Military Ombudsman is not an alternative to the human rights protection system established in Ukraine. We complement the existing system. The Office’s main functions are to process complaints from military personnel and to conduct inspections.
- It is important for all of us to understand the role of the Office of the Military Ombudsman because protecting the people doing the most important work for our country today is a responsibility of the Ukrainian state and society as a whole. Regardless of what field you are studying or what profession you will pursue in the future, you must understand that protecting and strengthening our Armed Forces is Ukraine’s most important task.
- We are here to correct the mistakes of our predecessors. So believe in what you are doing. Remember that we are all working toward victory. We are a nation of warriors. Remember that respect for the Ukrainian Armed Forces depends on you - people who will go on to become civil servants, teachers, or professionals in other fields. And the Ukrainian Armed Forces are our guarantee that we will live in a free country.
During the event, students asked the speaker questions. The discussion covered common violations of the rights of military personnel, key competencies needed to work in the field of protecting service members’ rights, the activities of the Office of the Military Ombudsman after the end of the war, ways for students to contribute to protecting the rights of military personnel and veterans, and the balance between the state’s defence needs and respect for human rights in the military sphere.
The meeting provided an opportunity for students to learn more about how new institutions in the security and defence sector operate and to ask questions about the practical aspects of protecting the rights of military personnel. The discussion sparked considerable interest among the students, as the topics addressed are directly related to current challenges in national security, public administration, and international politics.
“Olha Reshetylova is an example of a Ukrainian patriot and a highly principled person who has devoted herself fully to serving the Ukrainian state. And as students, you certainly understand how important the work Ms Reshetylova and her team have carried out is. We are proud that graduates of Ostroh Academy are such strong and committed representatives of the values fostered at our University. And where else, if not here, should Ukrainian patriots and the future of a free and independent Ukraine be shaped? In time, it will be up to you to rebuild it,”
