On 27 February, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky declared the formation of the International Legion of Territorial Defense of Ukraine a unit specifically for foreigners who wanted to fight the Russian invasion and invited people to "join the defence of security in Europe and the world.". Some volunteers cited Ukraine's quickness to recognize Croatia's independence in 1991 as a causus belli to join Ukraine. [79], Several members of the Kosovar diaspora in Switzerland reportedly contacted the embassy in Bern in early March 2022 to join the International Legion. 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. How to join the International Battalion. A Sri Lankan veteran code-named Dentist and two US Marines code-named Cash and Yato are credited with forming this elite division. They left for Ukraine on February 28. Four more soldiers were wounded. Among others, one cannot currently be in active military service and joining the army of a foreign country cannot violate the interests of the Republic of Poland. [224], Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded a question in a press conference regarding the official stance towards any Taiwanese national who wants to join the International Legion in the war of Ukraine, stated "the government's consistent position is to call on all Taiwanese nationals to avoid traveling to Ukraine, due to the deteriorating situation in there. Ukraine announced yesterday the establishment of the "International Legion of Territorial Defense of Ukraine," a fighting force open to foreign fighters looking . On 3 March 2022, the Ukrainian embassy in Washington, DC announced that 3,000 US citizens had signed up to volunteer. The Latest in a Long Line: Ukraine's International Legion and a History of Foreign Fighters. The Embassy of Ukraine in the UK is located in Holland Park in London. Moldova discourages its citizens from enlisting into the legion. Source: Legion representative Damien Magru . [131] Due to a high number of Canadian volunteers, a separate Canadian battalion within the Legion, the Canadian Ukrainian Brigade, was established to avoid language barriers and logistics issues. [89], It was reported that 36 Senegalese nationals attempted to volunteer at the Ukrainian embassy in Dakar. [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. [210], New Zealand officially has a "do not travel" warning issued for Ukraine and the Ukrainian consul in Auckland, Oleksandr Kirichuk, says he cannot assist New Zealanders in travelling to Ukraine. This regiment is separate from the regular international legion, but recruits from the force. [194], On 11 August, Russian Defense Ministry reports claim that nine Japanese nationals are in the legion while one left Ukraine. ], The participation of any Hong Konger in the international legion was first officially documented in a thank-you video posted on Twitter on 18 December 2022 by the Ukrainian Ministry of Defence. [145], The Embassy of Ukraine in Havana attempted to recruit for the International Legion in March 2022. NATO has been sharing intelligence with the Ukrainian government. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy recently referred to 16,000 foreigners joining the International Legion in "defense of Ukraine, Europe and the world." Now, according to the AP, there are . [10], Some foreign volunteers came to Ukraine much earlier, in 2014, to join the fight against the pro-Russian separatists as members of Ukrainian volunteer battalions that have been created after the start of the War in the Donbas. If the reports are true that he is in Ukraine are true, he is the youngest British fighter and one of the youngest fighters in Ukraine. Israeli law has a provision forbidding citizens from joining a foreign military, with a potential punishment of up to three years in prison. [79], On 7 March 2022, Time reported the Ukrainian embassy in Norway estimated 300 Norwegian nationals had signed up to volunteer at their embassy. this stipulated that their pay would be . [112] At least two members of the Belgian Land Component disobeyed orders to enlist with the International Legion. [213] It was further reported that Abelen was recruited to the LSSG. Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has created "The International Legion of Territorial Defense of Ukraine." Ukraine general vows to keep battling Russia as call goes out for foreign fighters. 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. [40] In early March, it claimed that it has recruited at least 600 people. 7 min read. Pursuant to the new laws, joining the armed forces of a foreign state committing an act of aggression or any other armed unit participating in an act of aggression committed by a foreign state, participation in the commission of or preparing an act of aggression by a foreign state as well as knowingly and directly, including financially supporting an act of aggression by a foreign state is punishable as a criminal offence. Zelenskyy hopes to draw volunteers who will "defend Ukraine and world order as part of the International Legion of Territorial Defense of Ukraine," Ukraine Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba. [151], On 26 April, a 25 year old was the first Dane to have been confirmed killed in combat. These persons also would not face criminal prosecution. [204] The same court had previously passed death sentences on two British members of regular Ukrainian units, under the same charges. Georgians have supported Ukraine since the start of the Russo-Ukrainian conflicts. Minister of Justice Maris Lauri (Reform) said on Monday that Estonian law is unclear in regards to serving in a foreign military and whether doing so is punishable. [232][233], On 30 March, Ken Rhee mentioned that he's involved in creating volunteer-based special forces units in cooperation with the Ukrainian military. Write an application for enlistment. "And if people come back who received [Estonian] citizenship via naturalization, then they may be stripped of their citizenship.". New Zealand discourages its citizens from enlisting. [130] In March 2022, Minister of National Defence Anita Anand noted that "the legalities of the situation are indeterminate at this time. Australia discourages its citizens from enlisting and the legality of volunteering under Australian law is unclear. [266] He was detained upon his return to the UK on 21 March. However, attempting to recruit a German citizen into foreign military service is illegal. Turmoil for Canadian-led foreign battalion in Ukraine", "Former Russian Soldiers Join Ukraine Against Putin's Invasion, Kyiv Says", "Chechen and Tatar Muslims take up arms to fight for Ukraine | DW | 24.03.2022", " : ", " ", " ", " ", "Ukraine forms special forces unit for foreign fighters: The special forces unit, separate from the recently established International Defense Legion, is already operational and in combat with Russian forces, GUR claimed", "Freiwillige Kmpfer in der Ukraine: Aus Sri Lanka an die Front bei Charkiw", "Ukraine's bid to recruit fighters from Africa sparks uproar: Nigeria, Senegal and Algeria have criticized Ukraine's efforts to enlist international fighters as it resists the Russian invasion. He said: "The first Irish veterans they have to have military experience arrived in Ukraine last night, which is good to see because they have the Irish tricolor on their arm". [123][124] Thalita do Valle, a female model and ex-Kurdish Pershmerga volunteer was killed in Kharkiv on June 30 during an attack on a Ukrainian bunker,[125][126] which also resulted in the death of Douglas Brigo when he tried to look for her since she didn't evacuate from the bunker in time. The black flag is actually not the official flag of Hong Kong but a modified version that was widely used by pro-democracy protesters during the 20192020 Hong Kong protests. (This is in addition to Step 1.) There is no law in Denmark that prohibits Danish citizens from enlisting the International Legion. It is a new effort, a Ukrainian official tells Military Times, to help bolster the fight. The International Legion of Territorial Defence of Ukraine, or the Ukrainian Foreign Legion, is a foreign military unit of the Territorial Defense Forces of Ukraine.It was created on 27 February 2022 by the Ukrainian government at the request of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to fight against the Russian invasion of the country.In establishing the force, Ukraine joined more than 90 other . "The Foreign Ministry's travel bulletin recommends leaving Ukraine immediately. [98], The Saeima of Latvia unanimously approved immunity from prosecution for Latvian volunteers who wish to join combat on the side of the Ukrainian military. "Pewnie si stykniemy, przyjdzie nasz czas", "Navy SEAL Deserter Killed During Intense Ukraine Battle", "American medic Pete Reed killed in Ukraine while evacuating citizens", "American veteran killed in Ukraine wanted to 'make a difference,' father says", "Azerbaijani sniper killed in Ukraine laid to rest in Goranboy-PHOTO-UPDATED", "M2 CHANNEL TV PRESENTER KARIM GULAMOV KILLED IN ACTION", "ran dronlar il hcumda azrbaycanl hlak oldu", " ", "Scott Sibley: Tributes to former British soldier killed in Ukraine - and second Briton missing", "Eighth British national dies in Ukraine war", "Ukraine: Family tribute to Glasgow man who 'died as a hero', "Nie yje polski zawodnik MMA. Become a hero.Use your military experience to fight against evil. When asked whether the law would also be applied to Austrians providing only humanitarian assistance, Srs responded it was "a matter for the courts to decide, not the executive." In many ways, Ukraine's International Legion harkens back to the International Brigades, the storied volunteer formations fighting for the Republican Government during the Spanish Civil War in . Nance did just that, the next day. The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, said on Sunday the country is establishing an "international" legion for foreign volunteers who want to fight for the nation, according to Reuters . [44], In early March 2022, the Algerian government called on Ukraine to not enlist fighters from their country. Join the brave! [37], In late February 2022, The Star reported that two Malaysians joined the Territorial Defense Army in Kyiv. [135][136] He returned to his home country after two months. A journey through the strange, semiprofessional world of volunteers and foreign fighters who, one year into Russia's invasion, are risking everything to defeat the . "[100], Over 2,000 pro-democracy activists in Thailand have attempted to sign up to join the International Legion. Pakistan discourages its citizens from enlisting in the International Legion. It is illegal for Serbian citizens to enlist in the International Legion under Serbian law. [59], The first photo of International Legion distributed by Ukraine reportedly showed Lithuanian volunteers. [174], Sky News reported in early March 2022 that at least one Iranian had traveled to Ukraine to join the International Legion. An International Legion spokesperson clarified that position recently. The United States Department of State issued a travel advisory formally advising all Americans not to travel to Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said earlier . Hundreds of American, [] [1], Recruits with past military experience have described the legion as insufficiently officered, leading to unnecessary casualties. The Defense Ministry said on March 5 that more than 66,000 men had returned from abroad to join the fight. Scott Sibley was killed on April 22, 2022, during fighting in Mykolaiv from mortar bombardment[270] while 19-year-old Jordan Gatley was killed in fighting against Russian troops in Severodonetsk alongside Ukrainian troops. [108] It is not part of the International Legion in order to preserve greater autonomy. 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? It is illegal for Senegalese citizens to enlist in the International Legion under Senegalese law. Ukrainian foreign military unit formed in 2022, Emblem of the International Legion of Territorial Defence of Ukraine, International Legion of Territorial Defence of Ukraine, Government acknowledgment of nationals serving in the International Legion, Summary of official international government responses. Thousands of American volunteers willing to defend Ukraine against Russia's invasion have signed up to join the International Legion of Territorial Defense, . It is illegal for Kosovo citizens to enlist in the International Legion under Kosovo law. Please help update this article to reflect recent events or newly available information. [296] As many as 1,000 foreign fighters had been training at the base as part of the Ukrainian Foreign Legion. An Estonian-based private military contractor (PMC) called Iron Navy that offers security services for government entities and businesses operating in "high-risk areas or conflict zones," posted on Facebook on February 11 about a project in Ukraine to protect civilians endangered by mines and unexploded ordnance. [181], On 1 September 2022, Israeli citizen Dmitry Fialka was killed fighting in eastern Ukraine. Late last month, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy created "The International Legion of Territorial Defense of Ukraine," as a global appeal for foreigners to come to the aid of his country. Step 2. [171] It is illegal for Belarusian citizens to enlist in the International Legion. 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? fightforua.org #StopRussianAggression", "Ralf, from Finland, joined the International Legion of Defense of Ukraine: "There are a lot of people who came to #Ukraine to fight the Russians & defend democracy and freedom" Freedom is a choice. [162], On 2 March, Minister of the Interior Nancy Faeser and Minister of Justice Marco Buschmann declared the Federal Government would not prevent its own citizens from going to Ukraine to fight in the war. [59], As of July 2022, an ex-Sri Lankan commando known as Dentist has been deployed to the field in Kharkiv. [53], The group has been successful in carrying out several attacks behind enemy lines. [37], On February 1, 2023, an Uruguayan volunteer codenamed Teddy was reported to be fighting in Ukraine since February 24, 2022. "[59], On 10 March, the Ukrainian Ambassador in Denmark reported that more than 100 Danes had volunteered. The contemporary French Foreign Legion requires a 5-year commitment. "We don't need any more people without military experience. [139], On 4 March 2022, Colombian newspaper El Espectador reported that at least 50 former Colombian soldiers will join the International Legion in Ukraine. In early March, 35 people contacted the Ukrainian Embassy in Bern to join the international legion, according to Radio Tlvision Suisse. [61], The 1937 Foreign Enlistment Act, enacted during the Spanish Civil War, prohibits Canadians from joining a foreign volunteer force against Canada's allies. 25 to 30 supported Ukraine and 25 to 30 supported the Donbas separatists. Iron Navy has been active in Ukraine since the Russian invasion in February 2022 . [179], By early March, it was reported that Israelis had been recruited and were heading to Ukraine. The Embassy of Ukraine in Brazil said that "it is not enlisting for the Ukrainian Foreign Legion" or "campaigning to join this military formation". Contact the Ukrainian embassy in your country, and ask to join the Ukraine International Legion. [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. 7 steps. [28], The First Deputy Interior Minister of Ukraine, Yevhen Yenin, announced in March 2022 that volunteers to the International Legion would be eligible for Ukrainian citizenship, if desired. 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. [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. [61], Some casualties have been officially reported. 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. [279], Jos David Chaparro, a Venezuelan from San Cristbal who settled in Kyiv in the early 90s and served as Venezuela's charg d'affaires in Moscow between 2001 and 2005, enlisted in the Territorial Defense Forces in the second day of the invasion and became the commander of a division of Ukrainian volunteers. [180], On 25 March, it was reported by the Israeli national newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth that a group of former IDF soldiers were training Ukrainian civilians; the ex-commando in charge stated to journalists that the program originated as a rescue mission for Ukraine's Jewish population but changed as the Ukrainian Jews required armed escorts and then military training. The Representative Office of Poland in Taipei suggested that the Taiwanese volunteers first need to travel to Poland, and enlist with the Ukrainian Embassy in Warsaw, but the Polish Office in Taipei declined to comment when the press tried to verify, neither confirm nor deny that such information is held. The Turkish authorities have not commented on Turkish citizens joining the war in Ukraine. [31][32], It has been reported that initial training and selection of volunteers had led to "uneven" performance and that the initial intake had already been dismissed by the Ukrainian authorities, with one anonymous Ukrainian general stating "we should only take experienced combat veterans that is the lesson that we are learning the others don't know what they are getting themselves into and when they find out, they want to go home". [242] Among these volunteers, three people are of Swiss nationality. , International Legion of Territorial Defense of Ukraine, people of Ukrainian descent living in Brazil, second-largest population of the Ukrainian diaspora, Chilean national police force(Carabiniers of Chile), protesting against the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, primarily of Ukrainian, Russian, or other former USSR roots, Department of International Relations and Cooperation, diplomatic relations between Ukraine and Taiwan, Russian missiles struck Yavoriv military base, Foreign fighters in the Russo-Ukrainian War, "Ukraine says 20,000 volunteers from 52 countries sign up to fight", "Ukraine crisis: 20,000 foreign volunteers in Ukraine to fight Russians, says foreign minister", "Returning Soldiers Reveal the Dark Side of Life in the Ukrainian Foreign Legion", "Lessons from Finland for Ukraine and its Foreign Legion", "Leaning on Legionnaires: Why Modern States Recruit Foreign Soldiers", "Ukraine war: Meet the Georgian Legion joining the fight against Russia's invasion", "Liz Truss backs Brits who want to fight Russia in Ukraine's 'international legion', "Ukraine's Foreign Legion Is Ready for Battle", "Ukraine creates foreign legion as volunteers from abroad join the fight", "Foreign Fighters Are Rushing to Join Ukraine's New International Battalion", "Ukraine's Foreign Legion: 12 important points", "Foreign fighters struggle for legal status in Ukraine", "Georgian volunteers in Ukraine war quit military unit after 'provocations', "First pictures of the Batallion n.a. Contact the Embassy of Ukraine in your country with the intention to join the International Legion of Territorial Defense of Ukraine (reach out to a military attache or consul: contact details are available on the website of our embassies): You can apply in three ways: 1) come to the embassy in person; 2) call the embassy; 3) send an e . Il padre: "Mio figlio eroe di guerra", "Primul japonez ucis in lupta pe frontul din Ucraina. It was subsequently reported on 23 March that "more than half" of the 18 had returned to Belgium, either to convalesce after the Yavoriv bombing or as a result of dissatisfaction with their conditions of service. [29] The necessary probation period is the duration of the war. Step 1. 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. [148], It's reported that 600 Czechs have joined the legion as volunteers. If you wish to join them you can contact Ukrainian embassies and tell them you want to fight. [141], Croatian law penalizes organizing the departure or going to war in another country if it violates the constitutional order of that country, undermines the territorial integrity of the country and if the person is a mercenary. [59] The first contingent of seven volunteers left Belgium for Ukraine on 4 March and included two Belgian Turks and a Belgian veteran of the Afghanistan War as well as Eastern European immigrants. [175], Brendan Murphy, an Irish businessman fleeing Ukraine stated in an interview published 2 March 2022 that Irish people had already arrived in the country to fight with the International Legion. Andr Hack Bahi was killed on June 4 while helping fellow volunteers escape during fighting in the Luhansk region. [37], On August 15, 2022, three captured British citizens, two International Legion volunteers and an aid worker, pleaded not guilty to charges of fighting as mercenaries in a court in the Donetsk People's Republic. [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. [195], On 11 November, Tokyo has confirmed that a Japanese volunteer was killed fighting Russian troops,[196] in only days after mourning his Taiwanese comrade's death in the Luhansk front. Heroes who decided to protect Ukraine. February 27, 2022, the president of Ukraine called the foreigners wishing to stand for the defense of the world's security, to join the special unit of the International Legion of territorial defense. The announcement was made on Twitter by his acquaintance. As of November 2022, volunteers from the legion were recruited from 60 countries. 6 were here. Gert Snitselaar states: "I was in contact with a few (volunteers) this morning, but since then there has been no communication,"[207] In response to the bombing of Lviv. On Sunday, he appealed to international volunteers to join Ukraine's International Legion of Territorial Defense . The costs are up to US$1,5 thousand per person, including air tickets and documentation. [166][unreliable source? Mar 3, 2022. [272] Ex-Army reservist and dual Ukrainian-British national Viktor Yatsunyk was killed by a landmine in Izium. 01. According to the Ukrainian embassy's national coordinator for the International Legion, Gert Snitselaar, 40 volunteers have departed the Netherlands for Ukraine. 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. Share. Prepare your documents and equipment according to the Embassy requirements. They are commonly referred to as Ukrainian . Although no law prohibits the Portuguese citizens from fighting for the International Legion, the Portuguese government does not encourage any citizen to do it. [220], The Government of Ukraine stated on 4 March 2022 that "some Portuguese" were already fighting in the International Legion of Territorial Defence. [41], Former New Zealander defense minister Ron Marks said that around 20 New Zealanders are fighting for the legion. [245] However, he was advised by Ukrainian embassy staff in Vilnus, Lithuania to instead help the refugees in Poland. [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. Ukraine has received more than . Under the Act, such an activity is punishable by imprisonment of up to five years. The Secret Weapons of Ukraine. Georgia discourages its citizens from enlisting. It was created on 27 February 2022 by the Ukrainian government at the request of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to fight against the Russian invasion of the country. 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. 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? Together we defeated Hitler, and we will defeat Putin, too. On the fourth day after Russia's February 24 armed attack and invasion of Ukraine, President Zelensky made a call for foreigners wishing to defend Ukraine to join the International Legion of Territorial Defense (ILTG), inviting individuals to contact foreign diplomatic missions of Ukraine in their respective countries (you could sign up here). Earlier, about 70 volunteers were going to Ukraine, of which about 50 were former servicemen of the Japan Self-Defense Forces. [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. The fightforua.org website has been launched in Ukraine, which contains all the necessary information for foreign citizens who are ready to defend the security of Europe and join the International Defense Legion of Ukraine.. Should anyone go fight on the Russian side, she added, then that is a punishable offense. In the most notable episode, on 13 March, Russian missiles struck Yavoriv military base near the Polish border, killing 35 people and injuring 134 people, according to Ukrainian officials. [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. [188], On 1 March, Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi said, "I am aware that the Embassy of Ukraine in Japan is calling for such (volunteer soldiers), but I would like you to refrain from traveling to Ukraine, regardless of your purpose. [169], Sky News reported at least one Hungarian, Akos Horvath, traveled to Ukraine to join the International Legion in March 2022. [37] The Indian volunteer reportedly shown in the photo is believed to be the 21-year-old student who had joined the Georgian National Legion earlier on. 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.