Conditions for foreigners fighting for Ukraine: selection, contract, and choice

Selection, contract, and the right to choose—under what conditions do foreigners fight for Ukraine?

The conditions for foreigners serving in the military in Ukraine include a provision for the termination of the contract they sign with the Ministry of Defense of our state, at their own initiative.

This was explained by the Chief of Staff of the International Legion of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, nicknamed "Chief," in the documentary film "Legions of Light" from the series Military Intelligence of Ukraine.

"This is a good bonus that they sign a contract, but they are not obligated to stay here for a year, two, three, or five years. They may have been here for several months, seen what is happening. Maybe they need time: to pause, reassess, understand why they are not ready, what skills they need to acquire. Or they are ready to acquire them here, in combat," explained the officer of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine.

Changes to the Law of Ukraine on Mobilization, which came into force on May 18, 2024, stipulate that foreigners will have the right to terminate the contract only after six months of continuous service.

According to the Chief of Staff of the International Legion of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, foreigners first register on the website to join Military Intelligence, fill out a questionnaire, and report their experience and skills.

"Some of them fought in Syria, some in Iraq, some in Afghanistan, and so on. We have our own experience. [...] We strive for better: towards NATO, towards units that apply the correct methods of management and combat. However, there should be Ukrainians with good foreign language skills and combat experience in leadership positions," said the Chief.

Then, the recruitment department studies the information provided by foreigners and submits their candidacies to the combat unit.

"In the unit, the commander selects the military personnel needed. After that, the recruitment department contacts the foreigner himself. He comes to Ukraine, is accompanied, signs a contract, and joins the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine," explained the Ukrainian intelligence officer.

He added that legionnaires are motivated professional fighters. Joining the Security and Defense Forces of Ukraine is primarily driven by the devastating consequences of Russia's war and the desire to protect the future of the free world from tyranny.

The documentary film "Legions of Light" about volunteers from over 50 countries fighting for Ukraine can be viewed at the link.