The Nizhny Novgorod authorities proposed strengthening the legal protection of participants in the special military operation.

      30 September 2025 18:41 Society

      At a meeting of the Public Council under the Legislative Assembly of the Nizhny Novgorod Region, initiatives to improve the system of free legal assistance for participants in the special military operation, their family members and combat veterans were discussed.

      Chairman of the regional parliament Evgeny Lyulin noted that the state is obliged to provide comprehensive support to those who defend the country and their relatives. According to him, changes in legislation will make it possible to strengthen social guarantees for this category of citizens in practice.

      A report was presented by the director of the State Legal Bureau for the Nizhny Novgorod Region, Maxim Fomichev. He introduced a package of proposals to amend the regional law "On Free Legal Assistance." One of the key initiatives was to expand the definition of "family member" of an SMO participant. It is proposed to include adult children, brothers, sisters and de facto caregivers — persons who under federal law are entitled to payments in the event of a servicemember's death.

      In addition, it is planned to supplement the law with a list of typical situations families of servicemembers most often face. In particular, this concerns disputes with banks over the provision of loan holidays and the inheritance of the property of the deceased.

      Another important proposal is to equalize the rights to receive free legal assistance for all combat veterans. Currently SMO participants can seek such support without income verification, while veterans of other conflicts can do so only if they have low income. According to Fomichev, all who took part in defending the country should have equal access to legal assistance.

      It is also proposed to grant staff of legal bureaus the right to represent applicants in court. Experts believe this will allow citizens' rights to be defended more effectively.

      Chairman of the Public Council Viktor Lunin emphasized that all proposals are based on real practice and the experience of lawyers who work daily with citizens' appeals. He expressed confidence that deputies will promptly consider the initiatives and adopt the necessary changes.

      The Council also decided that it will continue to monitor the application of the law and, if necessary, will put forward new proposals to strengthen legal support for SMO participants and their families.

      Earlier it was reported that the Nizhny Novgorod Legislative Assembly established a medal for supporting the special military operation.

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