Pakistan discourages its citizens from enlisting in the International Legion. Foreign nationals who have legally resided in Ukraine for at least five years are also welcomed. Ukraine has already established a battalion of Georgian fighters called the Georgian Legion since the War in Donbass, but new volunteers would be stationed in the newly formed International Legion of Territorial Defence of Ukraine. Later that evening, Ukraine's Minster of Foreign Affairs, Dmytro Kuleba, tweeted that Ukraine had officially formed the International Legion of [the] Territorial Defense of Ukraine. Apply to the Embassy of Ukraine in your country with the intention to join the International Legion of Defence of Ukraine (ask a Defence attache or Consul. Ukraine Invites Foreigners To Join 'Legion of Territorial Defense Prospects and Possibilities", "Balkan Fighters Risk Criminal Charges for Joining Ukraine's Defence", "Cetenii RM se pot nscrie n Legiunea Internaional anunat de Zelenski pentru a lupta n Ucraina? Anyone who wants to fight for the security in Europe, can come and stand hand to hand with Ukrainians against XXI century invaders. [112] At least two members of the Belgian Land Component disobeyed orders to enlist with the International Legion. [246], On 10 April, it was reported that a Taiwanese man named Wang Nan-ying (known as Naive Wang),[247] who lived in Kharkiv for eight years, enlisted in the legion after the war started while helping refugees in Poland. The Norwegian government reminds about dangers, rules and responsibilities. Ukraine has already established a battalion of Georgian fighters called the Georgian Legion since the War in Donbass, but new volunteers would be stationed in the newly formed International Legion of Territorial Defense of Ukraine. ", "Atencin: otro soldado colombiano muri en Ucrania al caer en un campo con explosivos", "S. Korea verifying report of death of volunteer fighter in Ukraine", "S. Korea verifying Russian data showing deaths of 4 volunteer fighters in Ukraine", "INFO EUROPE 1 - Premier dcs d'un combattant franais en Ukraine", "Guerre en Ukraine: un second Franais, g de 20 ans, est mort au combat contre les Russes", "Guerre en Ukraine: David D., combattant franais de 50 ans, a t tu sur le front prs de Donetsk", "Third French fighter killed on Ukrainian battlefield", "Les autorits ukrainiennes donnent les noms de quatre volontaires trangers tus", "Australian man dubbed the 'Kharkiv Ninja' killed while fighting Russian forces in Ukraine - 7NEWS", "Australian man dies fighting the Russian invasion in Ukraine", "First Dutch volunteer killed on battlefield in Ukraine", "Guerre en Ukraine: Mort au combat "en hros", "Sask. UNITED STATES/UKRAINE : Despite heavy casualties, private military and Ukraine Sets up 'International Legion' for Foreigners to Fight Russians She added that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's idea was not new since France already had a foreign legion. Dmytro Kuleba (@DmytroKuleba) February 27, 2022 The justice minister did note, however, that rules exist according to which if someone joins another country's military to fight, then they should inform the state and be granted specific permission to do so. Australia discourages its citizens from enlisting and the legality of volunteering under Australian law is unclear. According to the minister, this matter is scheduled to be discussed at this week's government meeting as well. "[131] The government had announced that it is up to individual Canadians to decide whether they want to join and that they "respect personal choices",[131][132] though the government "is not facilitating" Canadians who are looking to join the International Legion. [92], It is unclear whether volunteering for foreign military service is illegal under South African law. Share. It is illegal for Montenegrin citizens to enlist in the International Legion under Montenegrin law. [139], On 4 March 2022, Colombian newspaper El Espectador reported that at least 50 former Colombian soldiers will join the International Legion in Ukraine. [280], Under Article 425 of the Vietnamese Criminal Code, it states that anyone who fights as a mercenary to fight against another country will be imprisoned from 5 to 15 years. [181], On 1 September 2022, Israeli citizen Dmitry Fialka was killed fighting in eastern Ukraine. The foreign legion does now appear to be adapting. Some Turkish nationals in Ukraine have been turned away from the International Legion. [166][unreliable source? [61], The 1937 Foreign Enlistment Act, enacted during the Spanish Civil War, prohibits Canadians from joining a foreign volunteer force against Canada's allies. Source: Legion representative Damien Magru . In response, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky denounced the Georgian government's "immoral position" and has recalled Ukraine's ambassador to Georgia. It is publicly unknown if there is an agreement with Ukraine, Israel's Foreign Ministry would not comment further. In Kyiv, the 130th Territorial Defense Battalion is active. [44], In early March 2022, the Algerian government called on Ukraine to not enlist fighters from their country. [79], A Turkish citizen who has been living in Ukraine said he had signed up for the foreign legion along with 6 other Turkish citizens but they were later rejected. [40] Belgian Minister of Defence Ludivine Dedonder confirmed on 15 March 2022 that one Belgian soldier had resigned to join the International Legion and another Belgian soldier had deserted to enlist in the International Legion. [211], The New Zealand Herald reported on an ex-British Army/New Zealand Army veteran (and PR citizen) recruited to the legion, though the unnamed veteran said that he will use his British passport to travel. 25 to 30 supported Ukraine and 25 to 30 supported the Donbas separatists. [137], Some of the soldiers in the Norman Brigade are concerned on whether the Norman Brigade's leader, nom de guerre Hrulf, is incompetent in managing the unit. [171] n 288 "Arruolamenti o armamenti non autorizzati a servizio di uno Stato estero" del Codice Penale", "Foreign Fighters from Asia in Ukraine? 7 min read. Georgians have supported Ukraine since the start of the Russo-Ukrainian conflicts. [227], The Republic of Korea Marine Corps reported on 22 March 2022 that a Marine from the 1st Marine Division deserted from his unit and traveled to Ukraine to fight with the Legion. Interested in Joining Ukraine's Military Legion? Here's What You Need Latvia allows its citizens to enlist in the International Legion. [174], Sky News reported in early March 2022 that at least one Iranian had traveled to Ukraine to join the International Legion. The "International Legion of Territorial Defense of Ukraine" was launched by Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who has been relentless in his efforts to keep his sovereign nation out of Russian President . Ukraine has called for foreign volunteers to join a new international legion to . [30], A British volunteer said that the contract required to join the International Legion limits pay to 7,000 a month (US$230) and extends for the duration of the war, although some volunteers were allowed to leave after signing. Volunteers sought for Ukraine 'international legion' | Miami Herald Despite this he says over 500 New Zealanders have attempted to volunteer to fight in Ukraine against Russia. [142], Prior to the formation of International Legion, Balkan Insight reported that 2030 Croatians joined the Ukrainian Azov Battalion to fight in the War in the Donbas in 20142015. [106], Austrian law stipulates any citizen who enters into the military services of a foreign country has their citizenship revoked. The International Legion of Territorial Defense of Ukraine (Ukrainian:. On Feb. 27, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced the formation of a foreign legion, called the International Legion for the Territorial Defense of Ukraine, . [225], Vivian Balakrishnan, Singaporean Minister of Foreign Affairs, said during a Parliament session on 22 February that Singaporeans must only fight for Singaporean national security interests and not fight in other places even for noble reasons. [260] The statement was also criticized by several politicians who said volunteers may be in violation of the Foreign Enlistment Act 1870. Foreigners willing to defend Ukraine and world order as part of the International Legion of Territorial Defense of Ukraine, I invite you to contact foreign diplomatic missions of Ukraine in your . [249], On 13 May, an ex-Taiwanese marine is reported to have been recruited in the legion and is deployed in Eastern Ukraine. Finland's Ministry for Foreign Affairs has said that it has no information regarding how many people from Finland have left to join the fight in Ukraine. Foreign Legion of Territorial Defense of Ukraine. 4 simple steps to Territorial Defense Forces (Ukraine) - Wikipedia [157] The French Foreign Legion prevents current serving legionnaires from serving in Ukraine. Vitaliy Mukhin, spokesman for the Government, did not specify the concrete number of Portuguese who are already in Ukrainian territory. Armed civil defense men pose for a photo while patrolling an empty street due to curfew in Kyiv, Ukraine, Feb. 27, 2022 (AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky) It is illegal for Singaporean citizens to enlist in the International Legion under Singaporean law. "Foreigners willing to defend Ukraine and world order as part of the International Legion of Territorial Defense of Ukraine, I invite you to contact foreign diplomatic missions of . [176], Rory Mason was the first Irish volunteer killed in the Kharkiv region in late September or early October 2022. Undated video published by 3rd Assault showed AFU tanks moving to attack and RF-held buildings under heavy autocannon fire from infantry combat vehicles. . Join the brave! Georgians and Ukrainians have a history of sending volunteers to each other's countries during times of conflict or helping each other in political and humanitarian matters during the aforementioned wars. In reaction to this development, the spokesman of the Russian Ministry of Defense, Igor Konashenkov, warned . [42][43], Some news reports have reported Mamuka Mamulashvili, commander of the Georgian Legion, is commanding all or part of the International Legion, but no official Ukrainian source has confirmed a commander.[11][44]. That's A Moment for Worry", "No pasarn: anti-fascist slogan takes on new significance in Ukraine crisis", "Ukraine's foreign fighters have little in common with those who signed up to fight in the Spanish Civil War", "From the role of international volunteers to debates about Western intervention, there are many comparisons to be made between Ukraine and the Spanish Civil War", "The International Legion for the Territorial Defense of Ukraine was created", "Volunteer fighters arrive in Ukraine. Malcolm Nance, Dennis Diaz and Willy Joseph Cancel: Their experiences one fatal offer a sobering view of Americans in the International Legion of the Territorial Defense of Ukraine. [205], In March 2022, the Democratic Front urged the Montenegrin authorities to take action to stop the recruitment of volunteer fighters for the war in Ukraine, after the Ukrainian Embassy in Podgorica posted on Facebook calling for foreign volunteers for the International Legion. Want to help Ukraine's military as a foreigner? Here's what you can do Write an application for enlistment. [24][25], Elizabeth Grasmeder of Duke University has compared Ukraine's foreign legion to Finland's efforts to recruit legionnaires and other foreign volunteers during the Winter War (1939-1940). [158][159][160][161], As of July 9, 2022, two French volunteers were killed in action. The 1998 Regulation of Foreign Military Assistance Act was passed to "regulate the rendering of foreign military assistance" by South Africans, but was largely referred to as a "mercenary bill" targeting former apartheid soldiers working as mercenaries. However, the Belarusian opposition leader, in exile in Poland. [204] [100], On 18 March 2022, Ukrainian charg d'affaires Oleksandr Lysak spoke to Thai-based reporters in Bangkok and told them that the Ukrainian military has not recruited any Thais to work in the legion. Apply to the Embassy of Ukraine in your country with the intention to join the Foreign Legion of Territorial Defense of Ukraine (ask a military diplomat or Consul, contact details - on the Embassy website): There are three ways to apply: 1) come to the Embassy physically; 2) phone call; 3) write to email. [70], Herv Grandjean, a spokesperson for France's Ministry for the Armed Forces, said individual volunteers could be "integrated in a body of Ukrainian volunteers" and "we cannot prevent them from leaving, (but) nor can we sanction that type of project." The same court had previously passed death sentences on two British members of regular Ukrainian units, under the same charges. These men and women are so brave and provide a huge service to the Ukranian army with their . Step 2. Ukrainian soldiers inspect a damaged military vehicle after fighting in Kharkiv, Ukraine, Sunday, Feb. 27, 2022. By Howard Altman and Philip Athey. It is illegal for Belarusian citizens to enlist in the International Legion. Thousands of Americans Reportedly Join Ukraine's Fight - Newsweek In Ukrainian publics, a video is distributed, on His squad then joined the International Legion. [93], On 11 March 2022, Ukraine's ambassador to South Africa, Liubov Abravitova, announced she is waiting on a legal ruling from the Department of International Relations and Cooperation on whether or not Ukraine may actively recruit South Africans to join the International Legion. However, attempting to recruit a German citizen into foreign military service is illegal. [61], Some casualties have been officially reported. Some have refused", "Ukraine: Foreign fighters 'offered 1,500 a day to fight against Russia', "Legion of the damned: Inside Ukraine's army of misfits, veterans, and war tourists in the fight against Russia", "Zelensky says 16,000 foreigners have volunteered to fight for Ukraine against Russian invasion", "French volunteers rally to Zelenskyy's call to join war in Ukraine", "U.S., Mexico, India Volunteers Among Foreign Force Fighting for Ukraine, Says Military", "Tristan, from Belgium: "I came to join the International Legion of Defense of #Ukraine for freedom in Europe. There's always a lot of gray areas in war. Ukraine's conflict with Russia is an interstate conflict of "national survival" against annexation, as was Finland's with the Soviet Union. [113], The Ukrainian embassy in Brussels confirmed on 15 March that 18 Belgian residents had arrived in Ukraine to enlist in the international legion while a further 92 had expressed interest in joining. Norwegian citizens can legally enlist in the International Legion under Norwegian law. [148], It's reported that 600 Czechs have joined the legion as volunteers. Ultimul lui mesaj, adresat camaradului taiwanez ucis: "Voi lupta impreuna cu sufletul lui pana la sfarsitul razboiului", "Suicide missions, abuse, physical threats: International Legion fighters speak out against leadership's misconduct", "Want to go fight for Ukraine? [55], On 13 March 2022, the Ukrainian embassy in Buenos Aires posted on its social media to recruit Argentinian citizens who wanted to join the International Legion. [177], Ukrainian initiatives to recruit Israelis began on 26 February in tandem with thousands of Israelis protesting against the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine. State Border Guard Service of Ukraine guards prohibited him from entering after Seoul passed information about him going AWOL before crossing the Polish-Ukrainian border. Canada allows its citizens to enlist in the International Legion, however Canadian law may technically bar joining a military at war with a "friendly state". [267], The first photo distributed by Ukraine of the International Legion reportedly showed volunteers from the United Kingdom. Band of others: Ukraine's legions of foreign soldiers are on the [217], On 8 March 2022 the Ukrainian Embassy posted an appeal on social media for volunteers to join the International legion. fightforua.org", "Exclusive: So many Canadian fighters in Ukraine, they have their own battalion, source says", "Twee Belgische militairen zijn naar Oekrane getrokken om mee te vechten tegen Rusland", "Small number of New Zealand personnel fighting in Ukraine - former defence minister", "Kiwis 'could join Ukraine revenge mission', "Dy shqiptar po luftojn n Ukrain, thot komandanti i Legjionit t Vullnetarve t Huaj", "Incompetence or the realities of war? [11] Other foreign volunteer battalions in the Ukrainian military included the Dzhokhar Dudayev Battalion and Sheikh Mansur Battalionboth formed by anti-Russian and anti-Ramzan Kadyrov Chechens,[15] and the Tactical group "Belarus" (formed by anti-Lukashenko Belarusians). Volunteer fighters arrive in Ukraine. [362], Members of the Legion, according to The Kyiv Independent, repeatedly reported this to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Ministry of Defence, the Verkhovna Rada and the Office of the President of Ukraine, but received no proper answer.[362]. Several soldiers of the International Legion in Ukraine have been killed at the hands of the invaders and some have been captured but the Russian Federation exaggerates the number of dead, spreading fake news. Interview with a Defense Attach of the Embassy of Ukraine to review your application to volunteer for military service. New Zealand discourages its citizens from enlisting. [222], Ukraine has said some former Russian soldiers have switched sides and have now joined Kyiv's forces. The Legion: How Russia's invasion of Ukraine drew in thousands of He also did not specify how many of the foreign volunteers have arrived in Ukraine. [257], Turkey does not have a law that bars foreign fighters, but frequently prosecutes them upon return to Turkey for violating criminal or anti-terror laws. Any Spaniard who is neither a soldier nor a member of the. Ukraine welcomes volunteer fighters, one man recounts journey, helps He is certain Dutch citizens have perished during the fighting. It is a new effort, a Ukrainian official tells Military Times, to help bolster the fight. TVN a Chilean public service broadcaster made an interview with one of the volunteers. ", "Neutral Austria Says Citizens Who Fight For Ukraine Will Lose Their Passports And Become Stateless: Various countries, including the U.S. and U.K., support Ukraine, but discourage citizens from traveling there to fight", "Svetlana Tikhanovskaya: Is the fate of Belarus tied to the fate of Ukraine? [240] The report also mentioned that 13 South Koreans are working in the legion. [109], On 30 March 2022, it was reported that more Belarusian volunteers will be assigned to another volunteer unit called the Pahonia Regiment. Italian law does not forbid enlistment in a foreign army, although there are provisions banning the organisation of said enlistment, as well as mercenaries. Turkey has refused to comment on its citizens enlisting in the International Legion. NATO has been sharing intelligence with the Ukrainian government. Returning Soldiers Reveal the Dark Side of Life in the Ukrainian - Vice [214] On February 4, 2023, it's reported that Abelen may have been shot and killed in a friendly fire incident. [227] Various news sources claim a well-known South Korean Navy SEAL team is already in Ukraine fighting, which includes YouTube/TV celebrity Ken Rhee. [23], Other commentators have criticized this comparison. International Legion of Defense for the Ukraine's Tweets - Twitter Zgin w obronie Ukrainy", " ", "Wsparcie dzieci i rodzin polegych polskich ochotnikw na Ukrainie | zrzutka.pl", "Muri el primer colombiano en el frente de guerra en Ucrania, quin era? [155], On August 30, 2022, President Zelensky awarded German Barinov with the Order of Courage, 3rd Class.[156]. The International Legion of Territorial Defence of Ukraine, [note 1] or the Ukrainian Foreign Legion, [3] is a foreign military unit of the Territorial Defense Forces of Ukraine. [248] He is fluent in Ukrainian and Russian[247] aside from English, Japanese and Mandarin. Ukraine invasion: Live updates on Russia's attack Foreign fighters now on battlefield helping battle Russia: Ukraine ", "Prontos para morrer: brasileiros gastam at R$ 7 mil para ir Ucrnia", "Itamaraty confirma morte de brasileiro que foi para a guerra na Ucrnia", "Itamaraty confirms the death of a Brazilian in the Ukrainian War - News Bulletin 247", "Brazilian model turned sniper killed in Ukraine missile strike", "Brasileiros que lutavam como voluntrios morrem durante conflito na Ucrnia", "Bulgarian Parliamentary Candidate Too Busy to Campaign as He Fights in Ukraine", "Under a foreign flag: Canadian veterans explain why they're fighting for Ukraine", "Canadians answer the call to defend Ukraine", "Up to Canadians whether they fight for Ukraine foreign legion, Foreign Minister says", "Canada announces trade action against Russia, more lethal aid and new immigration streams for Ukrainians", "The new legion of foreign fighters: who are they and where do they come from? "The Foreign Ministry's travel bulletin recommends leaving Ukraine immediately. [89], According to lawyers interviewed, a Japanese person who works under a foreign military to wage war against another country could potentially be charged under Article 93 of the Penal Code. "The president officially invited mercenaries and anyone that wants to come,. . How to join the International Battalion. ", "Russia Vows Prosecution of Foreign Fighters After 16K Join Ukraine", "Senegal calls Ukraine embassy war recruitment post illegal, summons ambassador", "Serbia vows punishment for volunteers going to Ukraine", "Offence for anyone in Singapore to travel to Ukraine to take up arms: MHA", "Niektor Slovci chc s bojova na Ukrajinu, pomoc na fronte je trestn", "Hundreds of South Africans eager to join fight against Russian invasion Ukraine's ambassador to SA", "9 South Koreans currently in Ukraine as volunteer fighters: Report", "Mercenarios o voluntarios? There is no law in Denmark that prohibits Danish citizens from enlisting the International Legion. It is extremely dangerous." [215], On 7 March 2022, Nigeria's Ministry of Foreign Affairs declared that Nigerian citizens are not allowed to serve as mercenaries or foreign volunteers for Ukraine. According to a report by Helsingin Sanomat, the Finnish Defence Forces do not recommend or advise Finns to apply to fight for a foreign cause. [86] A group of at least 30 people in Poland who were willing to join the International Legion have reportedly organized to begin training. 2 min read. [202], The first photo distributed by Ukraine of the International Legion reportedly showed Mexican volunteers. It is not illegal for a foreign country to recruit people in Israel. [264] UK military officials instructed regular and reserve personnel not to travel to Ukraine. International legion of territorial defense of Ukraine - Home - Facebook Here's How Americans Can Sign Up to Fight in Ukraine Against - Newsweek [112] However, Time reported on 7 March 2022 that Belgium was dissuading its veterans from joining the International Legion. [121] There are over 600,000 people of Ukrainian descent living in Brazil. [143][144], The Croatian military envoy to Moscow eljko Akrap was summoned to the Russian Defense Ministry on 2 March 2022 and 3 March 2022 over allegations that 200 Croatian volunteers had joined the Ukrainian army. But the untrained should stay home", "For foreign fighters, Ukraine offers purpose, camaraderie and a cause", "Foreign volunteers who help Ukraine will be eligible for citizenship in the future", "Ukraine's New Foreign Legion Takes the Fight to Russian Forces", "Fighters with Ukraine's foreign legion are being asked to sign indefinite contracts. [298][299], According to The Kyiv Independent, which has received informations from sources inside the Legion, the leadership of the intelligence-run wing of the International Legion is allegedly implicated in various violations, including abuse, theft, and sending soldiers unprepared on reckless missions. Rspunsul premierului", "Montenegro Urged to Prevent Volunteer Fighters Going to Ukraine", "Nederlanders willen vechten in Oekrane: 'Ik ben fit en sterk, nietsdoen is geen optie', "There is little to stop New Zealanders leaving to fight in Ukraine but few legal protections if they do", "Frivillige melder seg til Ukraina - lovleg for nordmenn krige i ukrainsk uniform", "Foreigners Fighting for Ukraine Elicit Scorn, Ambivalence, Support From Governments", "Czy Polak moe walczy za Ukrain w legionie cudzoziemskim? [263] The Times reported that over 150 former paratroopers who served in the War in Afghanistan had joined and were travelling to the front line. It is illegal for South Korean citizens to enlist in the International Legion under South Korean law. [79], On 7 March 2022, Time reported the Ukrainian embassy in Norway estimated 300 Norwegian nationals had signed up to volunteer at their embassy. However, members of the Swedish Armed Forces who do so risk losing their jobs, as they are deemed to be better needed at home. F. oreign mercenaries are being offered $2,000 (1,512) a day to fight against Russian troops as part of the new foreign legion, according to reports. US veterans head to Ukraine to fight, but Zelenskyy's legion faces hurdles How can I join the Ukraine foreign legion? | Metro News [4] In March 2022, Serbian president Aleksandar Vui said "As for volunteers, since both sides have called for volunteers, the Serbian criminal code and we will amend it to be stricter outlaws participation in any conflicts that do not defend Serbia's territorial integrity," and "Any of those who think they should take part in some war, we will punish severely in accordance with our constitution and our laws. Ukraine must feel good that so many people came from all over the world to fight with them. Ukraine: Foreign fighters 'offered 1,500 a day to fight against Russia' Some volunteers cited Ukraine's quickness to recognize Croatia's independence in 1991 as a causus belli to join Ukraine. [234] In May 2022, Rhee has been deployed in various special forces operations, working with other volunteers with special forces background with the Ukrainian Spetsnaz. [178][179], Many protesters had connections to Ukraine or other post-Soviet countries, but also a significant contingent of Israelis attended with no connection to the former USSR at all. [108] It is not part of the International Legion in order to preserve greater autonomy. However, under French law, France can order a five-year jail term for "mercenaries" who are "specifically recruited to fight in an armed conflict," are neither "from a state involved in the armed conflict" or a "member of such state's military," and who are paid to "participate or try to participate in the hostilities.