Військова присяга в Україні

Abstract

The article considers the military oath as a manifestation of the promise of loyalty to one’s own people represented by a government, ruler, representative or bearer of supreme state power, known since the ancient times. Examples of Ukrainian historical military oaths are given. Among them: the Oath of the Ukrainian Sich riflemen in 1914, the Military Oath of loyalty to the Ukrainian State in 1918, the Oath of a soldier of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army in 1944. The text of the Military Oath, approved by the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine on December 6, 1991, is analyzed. The first military personnel began to take this Oath in December 1991 - January 1992. The text of the Oath contained in the law – the Statute of the Internal Service of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, approved in 1999, with certain editorial changes, is used today. In Ukraine, servicemen take the Oath in a festive, celebratory atmosphere, like a holiday; there is a parade, in full uniform, the Battle Flag of the military unit is raised, the National Anthem is played, distinguished guests, relatives of servicemen are invited. During martial law, the Oath is taken in a less solemn setting and in the absence of guests, as the location of the military unit must be kept secret. Foreigners or stateless persons, who are accepted for military service in the Armed Forces of Ukraine for the first time, do not take an Oath of loyalty to the Ukrainian people, but undertake an official obligation to strictly adhere to the Constitution and laws of Ukraine and to faithfully perform the duties of military service. The text of the obligation, in contrast to the Oath, contains an obligation to act in accordance with the generally recognized principles and norms of international humanitarian law in conditions of martial law or hostilities.