Simplifying Combatant Status Recognition for Foreign Service Members
The Ukrainian government has streamlined the procedure for granting combatant status (UБД) to foreign nationals and stateless individuals serving in the Armed Forces of Ukraine. A key change eliminates the previous obligation to provide a criminal record certificate, which had posed challenges due to the need for personal visits to obtain the document during active combat operations.
Previously, foreign military personnel were required to submit a collection of documents to receive combatant status, including:
- a passport copy with a Ukrainian translation,
- a tax identification registration document,
- a certificate in the form No. 6,
- and a criminal record certificate.
Unit commanders had to forward these materials to an interagency commission within five days after the initiation of combat duties or orders. The requirement for a criminal record extract often complicated the process, as it demanded the applicant’s in-person visit to relevant authorities.
This reform, initiated by the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, removes the criminal record check from the mandatory documentation list. According to the Ministry, this update addresses legal disparities between Ukrainian citizens and foreign servicemen. They emphasize the importance of recognizing the dedication of foreign soldiers who directly defend Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity in active combat zones.
Advancing the Integration of Foreign Fighters
It is important to note that in 2022, Ukraine established the International Legion of Territorial Defense composed of foreign volunteers. By February 2026, this unit was incorporated into the assault forces of the Ground Forces, expanding service opportunities and access to enhanced weaponry and resources. Currently, the Ukrainian Armed Forces include volunteers from 75 countries, with approximately 600 new contracts signed monthly.
Additionally, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed legislation extending the validity period of temporary residence permits for military personnel until May 10, 2027. This extension is designed to guarantee proper social protection and respect for the rights of foreign defenders, as highlighted by the Ministry of Defense.
These measures—both simplifying the combatant status application and prolonging residence permit validity—represent crucial steps toward better integrating foreign volunteers into Ukraine’s military framework. They underline the nation’s commitment to supporting international defenders who contribute to safeguarding Ukraine’s national interests, fostering improved conditions for their service. In the context of ongoing military conflict, such initiatives are likely to enhance motivation and willingness among foreign fighters to serve in Ukraine’s armed forces.