Putin noted the courage of the militias who defended Donbass from the first days. He made a corresponding statement in his greeting to the participants of the IX Congress of the Union of Donbass Volunteers.
In August 2023, the Cabinet of Ministers expanded the categories of persons who can receive certificates of combat veterans. Now SVO volunteers and Donbass militias will be able to apply for them. The decision was made in response to a request from the head of the Ukrainian National Guard, Alexander Motyl.