Procedure for obtaining the combat service certificate

The status of combatant is regulated by CMU Resolution № 413 of 20.08.2014 (as amended). It is granted to military personnel who:

• Defended/are defending the integrity of Ukraine.
• Participated in the ATO or its support.
• Countered the armed aggression of the Russian Federation.

Criteria for granting combatant status

• The following requirements must be met to obtain the status of combatant:
• Basic condition: involvement in the ATO or measures to ensure the security and defense of the territorial integrity of the state for a total duration of at least 30 calendar days (the total period is taken into account).
• Special cases (status is assigned despite the duration of participation):

- Direct involvement in armed clashes or fire interaction with the enemy;

- Conducting reconnaissance missions (if confirmed by the respective headquarters);

- Sustaining injuries, contusions or traumas that made it impossible to participate in hostilities.

Attention: Injuries caused by your own negligence or self-injury do not give you the right to combatant status before 30 days of service.

Documentation and stages of obtaining the status of a combatant

To obtain the status of a combatant, servicemen submit the following package of documents:

• An application for the status;
• A document certifying direct participation in operations;
• Photocopies of passport data and taxpayer registration number;
• Extracts from the orders on enrollment in the staff and involvement in operations;
• Business trip certificates (if any).

Additional documents depend on the specifics of participation:

1. ATO participants: extracts from orders of the Anti-Terrorist Center at the SSU
2. Persons with participation for less than 30 days: extracts from combat orders
3. Wounded: materials of investigation of the circumstances of injury
4. Participants in defense measures: orders of the General Staff and the Commander of the Joint Forces

Algorithm for submitting documents

• Commanders send documentation to the specialized commission:

- After the ATO: within 30 days after completion of the mission

- For units in the ATO zone: no earlier than one month after enrollment

- For participants of operations in the East: after 30 days of participation

• In each case, the required certificates and confirmations are provided

- The commissions analyze the submitted materials and make a decision on granting the status of combat participant. Important! Requirements may vary depending on the agency and individual circumstances of participation in hostilities.

Specifics of obtaining the status of a combatant under martial law

Under martial law, the mechanism for obtaining the status of a combatant is simplified. The main document is the “Certificate of participation in hostilities”. This status can be applied for by:

1. Military personnel of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the National Guard, the Security Service of Ukraine, border guards, etc.
2. Law enforcement officers, including the police and the State Emergency Service.
3. Members of the DFTH and other lawful formations.

Stages of obtaining the status:

• Responsible persons of military units are obliged to issue a certificate within 5 days after a combat mission.
• If electronic data entry is not possible, a paper version of the certificate is sent to the relevant commission.
• The serviceman receives one copy of the certificate.
• The status is granted automatically after an extract from the Register is generated with a unique identifier (it can be in the form of a QR code, bar code or digital code).

Legal assistance of our lawyers

Faced with difficulties in obtaining a UBD? Prikhodko & Partners provides professional legal assistance in obtaining this status. Our specialists have extensive experience in this area and can:

1. Advise on the procedure and necessary documents.
2. Assist in the preparation and execution of all necessary documents.
3. Represent your interests in the relevant commissions and bodies.
4. Provide legal support at all stages of obtaining the status of a foreigner.
5. Help you appeal against the refusal to grant the status, if such a situation arises.

By contacting Prikhodko & Partners, you will receive qualified assistance that will significantly increase your chances of successfully obtaining the status of combatant and protecting your rights. Fill out the form on our website and a military lawyer will contact you shortly.