How foreign nationals can obtain Combatant status or the status of a Person with a War-Related Disability
The Government of Ukraine has approved Resolution No. 719, which for the first time defines a clear procedure for granting and revoking Combatant status and the status of a Person with a War-Related Disability to foreign nationals and stateless persons who defended Ukraine.
If you are a foreign national or do not hold any citizenship and took part in defending Ukraine during military operations — you may be eligible for one or both of these statuses.
Combatant status (as defined by the Government of Ukraine)
🔸Who is eligible?
Foreign nationals who:
▪️participated in the Anti-Terrorist Operation (ATO);
▪️were involved in measures to repel armed aggression by the Russian Federation in Donetsk and Luhansk regions;
▪️took part in the defense of Ukraine during the full-scale war.
❗️This status is not granted to individuals who served in the intelligence agencies of the Ministry of Defense.
🔸Who can submit the application?
▪️The foreign national personally;
▪️The commander of the military unit or the head of the institution where the person served.
🔸Where to submit the documents?
▪️To the Ministry of Veterans Affairs of Ukraine — via postal mail, through the Administrative Services Center (ЦНАП), or to the Ministry’s official email address dpi@mva.gov.ua
🔸What documents are required?
▪️Certificates in forms No. 1, 4, or 6 according to Procedure No. 413.
▪️If these documents are unavailable, the Ministry of Veterans Affairs will officially request them from the relevant authorities. The response must be provided within 15 calendar days.
🔸What happens after submission?
▪️The application is reviewed and a decision is made by the Interagency Commission under the Ministry of Veterans Affairs of Ukraine.
▪️Notification of approval or denial is sent to the email or mailing address specified in the application.
If the documents were submitted by a commander, an institution, or via ЦНАП, that entity will also be informed.
▪️If approved — a Combatant certificate is issued.
▪️If denied — the applicant may reapply after addressing the reasons for denial.
Status of a Person with a War-Related Disability
🔸 Who is eligible?
Foreign nationals or stateless persons who sustained injuries, trauma, or other health conditions during the defense of Ukraine that resulted in disability.
🔸Who can submit the application?
▪️The foreign national personally.
🔸Where to submit the documents?
▪️To the Ministry of Veterans Affairs of Ukraine — via postal mail, through the Administrative Services Center (ЦНАП), or to the Ministry’s official email address dpi@mva.gov.ua
🔸What documents are required?
▪️Medical documents: an expert assessment report or a certificate from the Medical and Social Expert Commission confirming disability.
▪️Documents confirming participation in combat operations on the territory of Ukraine (same as required for Combatant status).
▪️If these documents are unavailable — the Ministry will officially request them from the relevant authorities.
🔸What happens after submission?
▪️The Interagency Commission reviews the application and makes a decision.
▪️If the application is approved — the Ministry issues an official certificate confirming the status.
▪️If not — you have the right to reapply after addressing the reasons for the denial.
❗️Both statuses may be granted, denied, or revoked based on the decision of the Interagency Commission of the Ministry of Veterans Affairs, in accordance with the established procedure.
This is an important step toward ensuring fair recognition of those who fought for Ukraine — regardless of citizenship.
