The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has approved unified rules for the support of foreigners and stateless persons who voluntarily wish to join the Defence Forces.
In particular, a procedure has been approved that defines the full logistics process for such volunteers — from their arrival in Ukraine to the signing of a military service contract.
“Our goal is to scale up the involvement of foreign volunteers and create a transparent and clear support mechanism. This will allow us to systematically strengthen combat units and save the lives of Ukrainian soldiers,” said Ukraine’s Minister of Defence Mykhailo Fedorov.
This is another step in the recruitment reform being implemented by the Ministry of Defence on the instructions of the President of Ukraine.
How the support for foreign volunteers will work
Services for organisational, documentation, and logistical support of candidates — exclusively for enlisted and non-commissioned positions — will be provided by private companies. Such companies must be included in a list maintained by the Foreigners and Stateless Persons Recruitment Centre. To participate in the programme, companies must:
- meet a set of requirements (registration in Ukraine, no debts, etc.);
- not be under sanctions;
- have no ties to the aggressor state;
- make a security deposit of 5 million hryvnias in case of breach of contract conditions.
The decision on inclusion in the list will be made within 10 working days after verification. If approved, companies will then support foreign volunteers at all stages.
Companies will handle logistics, documentation, insurance, accommodation, meals, and other stages of support for foreign volunteers coming to Ukraine until the moment they sign a contract.
“The company will receive 300,000 hryvnias per person, but in several stages, to prevent shadow schemes and abuse. We want to show that serving in Ukraine and for Ukraine is prestigious,” emphasized Deputy Minister of Defence Mstislav Banik.
Companies will also be responsible for the legality of all procedures and the accuracy of documents. If a candidate fails the military medical commission or refuses to sign a contract, the company must, at its own expense, arrange their return to the country of departure.
Foreign volunteers will also be vetted by Ukrainian intelligence services. After signing a contract, they will undergo basic military training and join the Defence Forces under the same conditions as Ukrainian service members.
Foreign volunteers are already an important part of the Ukrainian military. The new rules will open more opportunities to attract motivated people from around the world under clear and transparent procedures.
