The international delegation, headed by Ana Lucía Bueno, ICRC Public Health Coordinator, and Sujit Panda, Head of the Physical Rehabilitation…
The mechanism for joining and the modern specifics of military service for foreign citizens under contract have been explained.
This was reported by the Ministry of Defense on December 16.
“From the first days of Russia’s full-scale aggression, thousands of volunteers from more than 50 countries around the world have stood shoulder to shoulder with Ukrainian defenders. Their courage and dedication to the struggle are a critically important contribution to our shared victory”, — the Ministry of Defense said in a statement.
Today, foreigners can serve in any combat brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, with no restrictions regarding unit selection.
Enlistment: requirements and existing mechanisms
Military service of foreigners and stateless persons in units of the Defense Forces is regulated by the Law of Ukraine On Military Duty and Military Service, as well as the Regulations on Military Service in the Armed Forces of Ukraine by Foreigners and Stateless Persons, approved by a Presidential Decree.
The main conditions for accepting a foreign national for contract-based military service are:
- recognition and compliance with the Constitution of Ukraine and the laws of Ukraine;
- lawful stay of the foreigner on the territory of Ukraine;
- absence of a criminal record;
- possession of a valid foreign passport or a document certifying the identity of a stateless person.
During selection, candidates’ previous military service experience, specialty, and education are taken into account.
In the absence of such experience, after enlistment foreigners are sent to training centers and military units for specialized courses to acquire the relevant military occupational specialty.
In addition, candidates’ fitness for service based on health (military medical commission) and age (18–60 years) is considered.
To simplify recruitment procedures for these categories of citizens, in November 2024, by decision of the Cabinet of Ministers, the Recruitment Center for Foreigners and Stateless Persons (RCF) was established.
The RCF serves as a single hub responsible for logistical support, expedited special background checks, and facilitating the candidate’s assignment to a military unit.
After applying to the RCF (or directly to a military unit or Territorial Recruitment and Social Support Center) and successfully passing all checks, a foreigner signs a contract for 3–5 years with a mandatory two-month probation period.
An important restriction applies: under martial law, termination of the contract at one’s own request is possible only after six months of continuous service. Candidates must be aware of the legal consequences of signing a contract.
Foreigners can serve in any Combat Brigade
“Since 2022, the Armed Forces of Ukraine and other components of the Defense Forces have used various formats to involve foreigners in the fight against the aggressor: from creating separate military units (such as the International Legions, the Kastus Kalinouski Regiment, the Freedom of Russia Legion, etc.) to effective units integrated within combat brigades.
In particular, foreign volunteers successfully carry out missions within mechanized brigades, special operations reconnaissance units, as well as many other key formations of the Defense Forces.
Currently, the approach to employing foreign servicemembers is evolving. The key principle of the new model is the most effective use of experience, motivation, and professional skills.
Foreign volunteers will have broader opportunities for service — including the right to choose a combat brigade, operational direction, and specific role, according to their training and preferences.
This ensures better integration compared to mandatory attachment to separate international units.
Such a model meets the challenges of war and allows for more effective integration of foreign volunteers into combat operations, clearly guaranteeing that everyone who has decided to fight for Ukraine and freedom has been and will remain a full-fledged part of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
In addition, options are being considered to expand social guarantees for foreign servicemembers, including state pension provision.
Currently, the Ministry of Defense is finalizing the development of the Concept for the Recruitment and Military Service of Foreigners and Stateless Persons, which is intended to formalize and improve these new mechanisms”, — the Ministry of Defense said.
