Foreigners serving in Ukrainian army can receive combatant status – Ministry of Defense

The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine said this in a statement seen by Ukrinform.

The ministry recalled that the granting of such status is regulated by several legal documents. Specifically, under the Law "On the Status of War Veterans and Guarantees of Their Social Protection," those recognized as combat participants include members of the Ukrainian Armed Forces who defended the independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Ukraine and directly participated in operations aimed at ensuring the country's defense, protecting the population's safety, and safeguarding state interests in connection with Russia's military aggression against Ukraine.

Additionally, foreign nationals and stateless persons who serve in the Ukrainian Armed Forces under the Law "On Military Duty and Military Service" are treated as equivalent to Ukrainian military personnel.

"Given the above, foreigners whose service aligns with the requirements of these laws may be granted the status of a combat participant. They must follow the same procedures as Ukrainian citizens," said Colonel Serhii Halimskyi, Director of the Defense Ministry's Department of Social Protection.

Photo: mod.gov.ua