How foreigners can join the defense of Ukraine

1. How foreigners can join the defense of Ukraine By ExpatPro Law Firm

2. Foreigners can join the Armed Forces of Ukraine Since the beginning of the full-scale armed invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Federation on 24 February 2022, foreign citizens have been actively joining the Armed Forces of Ukraine voluntarily to fight for Ukraine and protect the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine.  ?The International Defense Legion of Ukraine, which is part of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, was formed to enable foreigners to enlist in military service and to defend Ukraine in the fight against the aggressor state.  More information about the International Legion can be found here: https://fightforua.org/. 

3. Requirements for foreigners to perform military service General requirements to start military service: 1. Age from 18 to 45 years, or 50 years, or 55 years depending on the military position; 2. Right to legally reside in Ukraine; 3. Identity document availability. 4. Absence of criminal record; 5. Suitable health conditions for military service; 6. Passing through the professional and psychological selection successfully; 7. Sufficient level of physical fitness; 8. Previous experience of military service (non-mandatory). In case of relevant experience absence, foreigners accepted for military service are to be sent to educational units for training and undergoing special courses for the acquisition of the relevant military specialty.

4. Enlistment of foreigners who legally reside in the territory of Ukraine for military service Stage 1. Submission of documents To enlist for military service, foreigners apply to the territorial recruitment and social support center at their place of residence or directly to the military unit in which they wish to serve under the contract. Stage 2. Inspections The relevant territorial recruitment and social support center in a way of sending inquiries to the competent authorities, and conducts checks on foreigners who have expressed a desire to perform military service to verify the legality of their stay in Ukraine, the availability of identity documents, the absence of a criminal record, and the accuracy of other information provided by the foreigner. Step 3. Providing consent to the processing of personal data. Stage 4. Passing a mandatory medical examination by the Military Health Commission. Stage 5. Professional and psychological selection. Stage 6. Passing the physical training standards. Stage 7. Signing a contract. Depending on the position, the contract is concluded for 3 years or a period of up to 5 years.

5. Enlistment of foreigners residing outside Ukraine for military service Foreigners can join the International Defense Legion of Ukraine to enlist for military service. To do so, they must apply to the Ukrainian Embassy in their country of citizenship or legal residence. The application can be found at this link: https://bit.ly/3BSVjAh. Along with the application, the foreigner must submit their passport and any documents that prove their previous military service. These documents can be submitted either in person at a Ukrainian diplomatic mission or through electronic means. Once the submitted information is verified, the foreigner will have an interview with a defense attaché at the Embassy. If approved, an application for voluntary military service under a contract in the Armed Forces of Ukraine is submitted. After being authorized to travel to Ukraine, the foreigner will receive instructions, necessary documents, and equipment. It is recommended to bring a military kit, including clothing items, equipment, a helmet, and body armor, if possible. Upon arrival in Ukraine, the foreigner will sign a contract for military service.

6. Is it legal for Americans to fight for Ukraine? For Americans seeking to provide assistance to Ukraine, there are two options to consider. First, the International Defense Legion of Ukraine is a military unit that allows foreign nationals with combat experience to join and serve in the Ukrainian army. Alternatively, join the Ukrainian Volunteer Army, the unofficial movement created specifically to assist the regular military forces, encourages volunteers to join, including Americans. While this may still carry certain legal risks and implications, the process and requirements for joining this unit are different from joining the International Defense Legion of Ukraine. ?More info ?https://www.expatpro.co/uk/

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