Obtaining the status of a combatant (combatant): Procedure, Conditions and Rights

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Publication date: 26.07.2024

Obtaining the status of a combatant (combatant): Procedure, Conditions and Rights

Obtaining combatant status in Ukraine is an important process that grants military personnel and volunteers who took part in the defence of the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity special status and benefits. This status recognises their contribution to the security of the state and provides for a number of social and economic privileges. This article discusses the procedure for obtaining the UBE status, the necessary documents, and the rights granted by this status.

The procedure for obtaining combatant status

Obtaining combatant status is regulated by Ukrainian legislation, in particular the Law of Ukraine ‘On the Status of War Veterans and Guarantees of Their Social Protection’. 

The procedure includes several main stages:

• Submission of an application: Servicemen or volunteers applying for combat veteran status must submit an application to the relevant authority dealing with veterans' social protection. The application can be submitted in person or through an authorised person.
   
• Submission of documents: Along with the application, you must provide a set of documents confirming your participation in hostilities. These may include military cards, orders to be sent on combat missions, medical certificates of injury, service records or other documents confirming your stay in the combat zone.
   
• Review of documents: The relevant authorities, such as the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Internal Affairs or other authorised bodies, review the submitted documents, verify their authenticity and make a decision on granting or refusing to grant combatant status.
   
• Obtaining a certificate: In case of a positive decision, a citizen receives a combatant certificate, which is an official confirmation of his or her status.
   

Conditions for granting combatant status

Certain conditions must be met in order to obtain combatant status:

1. Actual participation in hostilities: Individuals must be directly involved in combat operations, defence of sovereignty, law enforcement or other military tasks in the conflict zone. This applies to both military personnel and volunteers.
    
2. Availability of documents: Applicants must provide documents confirming their participation in hostilities or combat missions. It is important to have official documents confirming the time and place of service, as well as the nature of the tasks performed.
    
3. Medical conditions: If you were injured or maimed while performing combat missions, this must be confirmed by relevant medical documents. Such documents are an important element for confirming the status and obtaining additional benefits.
    

Rights and benefits of combatants

Obtaining the status of a combatant provides a number of rights and benefits provided for by Ukrainian law. 

These include:

• Social benefits: Combatants are entitled to free medical care, discounts on housing and utility bills, free public transport and other social benefits.
   
• Financial support: The state provides financial assistance to combatants, including one-off payments, disability or disability pensions, and assistance in connection with injuries.
   
• Educational and professional benefits: Combatants may be eligible for free education or retraining, preferential admission to educational institutions, and employment in state institutions.
   
• Housing benefits: Veterans have the right to receive housing or improve their housing conditions on a priority basis, as well as to preferential loans for the construction or purchase of housing.
   

Possible difficulties and solutions

The process of obtaining combatant status may be complicated by bureaucratic delays or lack of necessary documents. In such cases, it is important to contact lawyers, specialised organisations or veterans' associations that can provide support and assistance in collecting the necessary documents and submitting the application. It is also important to submit the application in a timely manner and follow the review process to avoid delays and ensure that the status is granted as soon as possible.
 

Appealing against the refusal to grant the status of a foreigner

In cases where the relevant authorities refuse to grant combatant status, citizens have the right to appeal this decision. The refusal may be appealed administratively or in court. When appealing, it is necessary to provide additional evidence confirming participation in hostilities or other combat missions. This may include testimony from colleagues, additional documents from archives or evidence from medical institutions. In the event of a court appeal, it is important to have legal support to help you properly file a complaint and present all the necessary evidence. Appealing a decision may take some time, but it is an important step in protecting your rights and obtaining the benefits you deserve.
 

The importance of timely appeal and support

It is important for those claiming combatant status to apply to the relevant authorities in a timely manner and submit all necessary documents. A delay in submitting an application may result in the loss of some of the rights or benefits to which a citizen is entitled. In addition, support from lawyers, veterans' organisations or public associations can greatly facilitate the process of obtaining combatant status. These organisations can provide advice, assist in collecting documents, accompany the application process and appeal against refusals. Active involvement in veterans' associations also helps to obtain additional support and information about new legislative changes or available benefits.