The need to introduce mandatory psychological rehabilitation for special military operation participants

This article examines the pressing issue of ensuring the psychological health of special military operation participants. It is argued that state support for this category of Russian citizens is currently regulated primarily through material and social benefits. Psychological rehabilitation, being a key element of successful reintegration into civilian life, remains advisory and depends on the veteran’s personal initiative. This creates a systemic problem, since not every combat participant suffering from post-traumatic stress is able to independently and promptly recognize the need for specialized assistance, and thus it leads to worsening of disorders, marginalization, and increased social tension. This study aims to substantiate the need to transform voluntary psychological rehabilitation into mandatory legally enshrined norm. An analysis of current federal laws and regulations identifies legal gaps that prevent the development of a unified, continuous system of psychological support. We propose implementing mandatory psychological rehabilitation through structural changes to federal legislation or creation and adoption of a specialized federal legislative act. We argue that implementing this approach will enable a shift from reacting to consequences to preventing them, thereby ensuring the long-term psychological stability of veterans and strengthening national security.