For the first time in Ukraine, foreign military personnel serving in the defence forces were awarded combatant status certificates. The decision to grant foreigners official combatant status was a step forward in the development of modern veteran policy, which recognises the contribution of everyone who defends Ukraine’s independence.
People from different countries, cultures and professions currently serve in the defence forces. They have consciously joined the defence of Ukraine without citizenship and need clear procedures and guarantees. The Ministry of Veterans Affairs, together with its partners, presented a Legal Navigator for foreign military personnel in Kyiv. This is an online resource that explains the conditions for obtaining status, access to social guarantees and services. The event was attended by foreign military personnel and Deputy Minister Ruslan Prykhodko, a veteran himself.
During the event, foreign military personnel were awarded UBD certificates for the first time. The moment symbolised that the decisions taken had come into effect and that the Ukrainian state recognises the contribution of foreign defenders on a par with Ukrainian citizens.
Participants were presented with key sections of the Legal Navigator, which is already available in English, Spanish and Portuguese. After the presentation, there was a discussion on the most pressing issues faced by foreign military personnel: interaction with units, paperwork, legal procedures, access to support and adaptation in Ukraine.
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