Receiving military awards in Ukraine: nuances you need to know
The Law of Ukraine “On State Awards of Ukraine” was adopted back in 2000. However, wartime realities obliged the government to make adjustments to our legislation. After the start of the full-scale invasion of the Russian Federation, a number of awards appeared, which today are used to honor military personnel for performing an outstanding heroic act during hostilities. In addition to their symbolic value, state awards provide certain benefits and social guarantees. In some cases, defenders may need legal assistance for military awards in Kyiv. After all, due to bureaucratic obstacles and legal nuances, the procedure for obtaining state awards can be long and complicated. Contacting a lawyer helps to effectively resolve this issue and avoid unnecessary complications.
Military awards for combatants in Kyiv: what they are and what they are awarded for
Before the start of the full-scale invasion in Ukraine, there were almost no military awards to commemorate the heroic deeds of servicemen in wartime. Therefore, at first, soldiers and officers received the same awards as civilians. Today, according to the law 'On State Awards of Ukraine', there are the following main state awards for servicemen:
- The title 'Hero of Ukraine'. This is the highest state award, awarded for outstanding heroic self-sacrifice on the battlefield. The military is also awarded the Order of the Gold Star
- The Order 'For Courage'. Awarded for personal courage and selfless actions while performing official duties. The Order has degrees - I, II, III. The awarding is carried out sequentially, starting from the III degree.
- The Order of Bohdan Khmelnytsky. Awarded for outstanding merits in military affairs, defense organization and command of troops. The Order has degrees - I, II, III.
- The Order 'Defender of the Fatherland'. Recognizes personal merits in defending the state, increasing defense capability and participation in hostilities.
- The Medal 'For Military Service to Ukraine'. Award for military personnel who have shown high professionalism and courage.
- The Medal 'To the Defender of the Fatherland'. Awarded for personal contribution to the defense of Ukraine and for courage while performing military tasks.
There are also departmental awards approved by the Ministry of Defense, the National Guard, the Security Service of Ukraine, etc. The most common departmental awards are the Cossack Cross, the Medal for Exemplary Service, commemorative signs and awards for participation in specific operations or battles.
An additional way to honor the exploits of Ukrainian heroes are awards from local authorities and public organizations.
The procedure for receiving military awards in Kyiv: a step-by-step strategy
The procedure for awarding military personnel is regulated by a number of legislative acts. To receive a state award, it is necessary to confirm the achievements and merits of a participant in hostilities. The legislation on military awards provides for the following algorithm of actions:
- Application submission. The commander of a military unit, the leadership of a management body, or even a public organization can initiate the submission of an application for a military award.
- Document review. Before a decision is made to award a serviceman, the application must be checked for compliance with the award criteria.
- Decision making. State awards are approved by the President, and departmental awards are approved by the relevant leadership.
- Award presentation. Awards are presented personally, and in the case of posthumous awards, they are transferred to the relatives of the deceased serviceman.
It is worth noting that this process can be complex and lengthy. To avoid difficulties, you may need legal assistance. Our lawyers at Kyiv will provide professional advice on the rights of servicemen, help you collect the necessary documents to receive the award, and ensure the correct preparation of applications.
Benefits and social payments for awarded military personnel: briefly about the main things
State awards play an important role in the lives of military personnel - they are an official recognition of the merits of the defenders before the state and the Ukrainian people. Each award symbolizes the courage, heroism and self-sacrifice of the person who defended the territorial integrity of our country. But they do not only add prestige to their owner. After receiving a military award, participants in hostilities are entitled to certain social guarantees. We focus on the main benefits:
- Additional payments to pensions or salaries. Military personnel who have received the title of Hero of Ukraine, orders or medals are entitled to pension supplements. The amount of payments depends on the status of the award.
- Benefits for paying for utilities. Awardees are entitled to a discount of up to 50% when paying for utilities (gas, electricity, water, heat, etc.).
- Free medical care. Holders of state awards for heroism during the war can count on free medical care in state and military medical institutions. They also have priority in access to sanatorium-resort treatment.
- Priority in providing housing. Awarded participants in hostilities can receive one-time compensation for the purchase of housing.
To start using benefits for awarded military personnel in Kyiv, you need to submit an application to the relevant authorities, for example, to the Pension Fund, and also provide supporting documents - a certificate of the award and certificates of participation in hostilities.
Consulting a lawyer on military awards in Kyiv is the best solution for resolving a legal issue
Receiving a military award is a complex and lengthy procedure that involves close cooperation with state bodies. Therefore, individuals who do not understand all the nuances of military law may need professional legal assistance at each stage. Involving a lawyer in the process of receiving military awards will allow you to calculate and minimize any risks.
- Legal analysis of the situation. A specialist will help you figure out what documents are needed, what regulations regulate the procedure, and what rights a serviceman has.
- Collection and processing of documents. A professional will ensure the correct preparation of applications, reports, appeals, and other documents. This reduces the risk of rejection due to technical errors.
- Assistance in interacting with authorities. A lawyer will facilitate communication with the Ministry of Defense, military units, award commissions, etc.
- Restoration of lost documents. In the event of loss of some data or the absence of documents, a lawyer will help initiate the procedure for their restoration.
- Protection in case of rejection. If the award is denied, the specialist will file a complaint or go to court to protect your rights.
In what situations may the help of a military law lawyer be needed
Doubts arose about the right to an award due to undocumented combat episodes
The command refuses to submit an application for an award or delays the decision
The awarded documents were lost and need to be restored
Frequently asked questions about receiving military awards
Question
What social guarantees do awards provide for war veterans?
Answer
Receiving state awards gives veterans access to a number of social benefits. For example, additional pension supplements, early housing, free public transport, free treatment in state medical institutions, free education for children and priority enrollment in educational institutions.
Question
Is it possible to receive a military award if documents are lost?
Answer
In the event of loss of archival data or absence of documents, a serviceman can initiate the process of their restoration. To avoid difficulties on this path, contacting a lawyer will help - a specialist will be able to achieve justice in difficult situations.
Question
What do the services of a military lawyer include and how much do they cost?
Answer
A military lawyer will first of all help servicemen understand their rights, and will also provide qualified legal assistance. If necessary, the lawyer will protect the client's rights in court. The price of legal services depends on the complexity of the case and the scope of work.
If you have questions about receiving a military award or need professional help, contact us for advice. We bring together the best lawyers for the protection of the rights of military personnel who are ready to help clients in Kyiv at all stages of solving the problem. Do not put off the important thing for later - our lawyers are always ready to help you with the registration of military awards and obtaining the appropriate benefits!
Receiving military awards in Ukraine in 2024 is not only a matter of honor, but also a way to ensure additional rights and social guarantees. Consulting a lawyer will help you avoid difficulties, protect your rights and achieve justice in difficult situations. Professional support will be a guarantee that your merits will be properly recognized.