More than 935 soldiers have been killed in Russia's war against Ukraine, while more than 3,000 people have been injured. The cost of caring for survivors and wounded will be high.
While Ukraine’s government gives special benefits to the families of soldiers killed and to fighters injured in Russia’s war, it still takes persistence and documents to collect them from the bureaucracy.
Thus far, more than 935 Ukrainian servicemen have been killed in fighting since mid-April. At least an additional 3,215 people were wounded, and their numbers keep growing, despite a ceasefire that has been in place since Sept. 5.
The list of those who will not be home includes Mykola Berezovy, the husband of journalist and activist Tetyana Chornovol, Ukrinform journalist Oleh Zadoyanchuk and Mark Paslawsky, an American investment banker who said he became a Ukrainian citizen before volunteering for the Donbas Battalion.
Ukrainians have donated as much as Hr 150 million for the needs of those fighting against Russian elements in Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts, according to the Verkhovna Rada’s analytical department. Life-saving medical kits, protective gear and other essentials have been supplied by local and foreign volunteer groups over the months.
Parliament passed laws providing guarantees and benefits for soldiers.
“First of all, the legislators have clarified who may be identified as a military operation participant…Parliament has amended the law on the status of war veterans and guarantees of their social protection,” said Sergiy Shapov, an expert at Alekseev, Boyarchukov and Partners.
Currently, all fighters have the legal status of being a war veteran. This qualifies them for financial assistance, government-paid medical care and housing. The list includes members of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, National Guard, Security Service, Foreign Intelligence Service, Border Guards Service, Interior Ministry and volunteer battalions that act in accordance with the law and are recognized as those which defend the country’s independence and territorial integrity.
However, there is no guarantee that the bureaucratic machine will work correctly.
“A soldier won’t be recognized as a military combatant without the requisite documents, such as an army order and officially stamped military identification card, etc.,” said Volga Sheyko, a lawyer at Asters.
Even having all the documents doesn’t guarantee that attaining the status will be easy. “You’ll have to go to the (office of) General Staff of the Ukraine’s Armed Forces or, if you’re a reservist – to the regional military commission (to submit the documents personally in a paper form),” Sheyko explains.
But those who’ll overcome the bureaucratic obstacles are entitled to receive privileges such as free health care, a monetary allowance or compensation for their disability.
A one-time financial payment to disabled military combatants ranges Hr 182,000-304,000, said Shapov of Alekseev, Boyarchukov and Partners. “Benefits have also been established for family members of ATO participants who have died,” he added.
