Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday approved a law granting war veteran status to all volunteers who are fighting on the side of the Russian Army in the framework of the invasion of Ukraine, unleashed on February 24 on the orders of the Russian president himself.

The law provides for the veteran status to all persons who joined the volunteer units created by Russia after the beginning of the "special military operation" in Ukraine from February 24, as well as in the territories of the Ukrainian regions of Kherson and Zaporiyia from September 30. 

It also grants the status of combat invalid to persons suffering from any disability due to wounds sustained in combat, as reported by the Russian news agency Interfax. The measure was approved by the Parliament on November 10.

After the vote, the chairman of the State Duma, Vyacheslav Volodin, stressed that it was a "fair decision for volunteers and their family members who, like military personnel, will enjoy benefits and social support measures in accordance with the provisions of the legislation".