Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense on Saturday said foreign fighters are eligible for combatant status (UBD) – in line with local troops – and detailed the process.
In its update, the defense ministry said the UBD status applies to those who fought on the front officially as part of a military unit under contract.
Obtaining UBD status grants free and priority medical care, including medicines, treatment, and check-ups; housing and utility discounts; access to housing and land support; and travel benefits, including free local transport and discounted intercity travel, among other perks, as established by the law.
The defense ministry said troops are enrolled automatically while serving under contract, though it is also possible to apply via special commissions.
The soldier is automatically enrolled when a unit logs a combat mission in the Unified State Register within five days, or through a manual process in which the unit commander submits documents to an interdepartmental commission for review within 30 days.
“The same procedures apply to foreign military personnel as to citizens of Ukraine. The main condition is the availability of documents confirming the fact of performing combat missions,” the update says.
Otherwise, foreign fighters can also collect the needed documents and submit them by themselves.
For interdepartmental commission review, applicants must submit a passport copy with Ukrainian translation, a taxpayer registration document, and an original Form No. 6 certificate; those applying independently must also provide a full criminal record extract from the state electronic services portal.
The ministry cautions that the name transliterations on the passport and military ID must match, adding that the UBD status would be a major consideration in applying for Ukrainian citizenship.
“Foreigners and stateless persons who have stood shoulder to shoulder with Ukrainians in the ranks of the Defense Forces have the same rights to recognition of their merits as citizens of Ukraine,” the update says.
“Our country guarantees equal access to obtaining the status of a combatant (UBD) for all military personnel, regardless of their citizenship,” it adds.
Ukraine passed a historic law allowing dual citizenship in July 2025, initially limited to a select list of countries.
The move to extend UBD status to foreign fighters has been in discussion since at least June 2025.