Defense of Krasnodar region to be recognized by Russia with military veteran status award
Russian Government Expands Combat Veteran Status to More Territories
The Russian Government has expanded the criteria for combat veteran status, a move that now includes several territories beyond the direct combat zones in Ukraine. The decision was made in August 2025 and covers regions bordering the Special Military Operation (SVO) zones, as well as key resort cities exposed to cross-border attacks.
The list of territories eligible for combat veteran status includes Crimea, Sevastopol, Belgorod, Bryansk, Kursk, Rossoshansky and Kantemirovsky districts in Voronezh region, Temryuksky district in Krasnodar Territory, and cities on the Black Sea coast such as Novorossiysk, Gelendzhik, and Anapa.
This decision is in recognition of the service of those who have defended these border and adjacent regions during military operations, including law enforcement and volunteer formations countering Ukrainian attacks and provocations. This status grants benefits such as disability classification, pension supplements, monthly payments, and education privileges for veterans' children. It also extends to those injured or disabled due to combat activities in these areas.
The Special Military Operation (SVO) zones refer to areas where a military operation is currently taking place. The document, signed by Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, officially approves this list, making it possible for defenders of these territories to obtain combat veteran status.
The government's decision to formalize protections for defenders not only in the direct combat zones in Ukraine but also in nearby Russian border territories and key resort cities is significant, given the exposure to cross-border attacks since the full-scale invasion began in 2022.
In addition to the territories listed, the new law extends combat veteran status to those who participated in repelling attacks on these territories, not just defenders of border regions. However, it's important to note that mass events have been banned in North Ossetia due to threats of attacks on military personnel, although the reasons for this ban are believed to be other than the threats to military personnel.
This expansion of combat veteran status is a testament to the Russian Government's commitment to recognising and supporting those who have served in defending the country's borders and key cities during these challenging times.
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