The President of Russia Vladimir Putin has signed a law on Thursday acknowledging border guards who repel cross-border aggression from Ukraine as war veterans.
The legislation grants war veteran status to active & retired members of the security forces who “repel an armed invasion and provocations on the border and in territories adjacent to war areas in Ukraine since February 24,” the date when Putin called for invasion of Ukraine.
The similar status is granted to those who had been wounded during their service. The law takes effect Thursday, August 4.
Veteran status gives the holder tax as well as transport privileges & state assistance with accommodation as well as health care. War veterans also has also received monthly payments from the government.
A number of attacks, some of which damaged infrastructure and claimed civilian lives, have been reported in Russia’s border regions in the five months of hostilities — though Ukraine has neither confirmed nor denied being behind them.
Putin recognized civilians — including doctors, technical specialists, construction workers & journalists — who have worked with Russian military in occupied areas of Kyiv as war veterans.
The president has signed a law conferring veteran status to all Russian soldiers fighting in Ukraine in March.
Russia deems its invasion to be a “special military operation” and has not formally declared war.