Ministry of Defence: Over 71,000 service members granted combat veteran status under new simplified system

Since January 2025, over 71,000 service members have received combat veteran status through a new automated system.

The innovation allows combat veteran status to be obtained via the Unified State Register of War Veterans. Authorised personnel from military units must enter information into the register within five days of a service member starting a combat task.

Applications submitted to the Unified Register are processed automatically in real time.

The new system complements the existing process of obtaining combat veteran status through the Commission for Reviewing Materials on Combat Veteran Recognition.

Documents for the commission can be submitted by the military unit’s command or by the service member independently.

For independent applications, service members must submit a standard form, two 3x4 matte photographs, and documents confirming participation in combat operations.

The application is sent by post to the commission of the military administration body overseeing the military unit where the service member serves or served during combat operations.

More detailed information on the procedure for obtaining combat veteran status and contact details for Ministry of Defence commissions can be found at social.mil.gov.ua (in Ukrainian).