The regiment expresses its sincere condolences to the relatives", " ", " ", "American killed fighting alongside Ukrainian forces in Ukraine", "2 Americans dead in eastern Ukraine: Officials", "Exclusive: U.S. The Ukrainian defense ministry said on its Telegram channel on March 30 that commanders of the Freedom of Russia Legion were visiting detained former Russian military personnel "in order to select those who wish to serve. [147] The Ministry of Defence has already reported its first applicants. [18], On 3 March 2022, Zelenskyy announced 16,000 foreign volunteers had attempted to join the International Legion. Georgians have supported Ukraine since the start of the Russo-Ukrainian conflicts. [197], Kosovar law bars participation in foreign armed groups. The Embassy of Ukraine in the UK is located in Holland Park in London. It is not part of Ukraine's official International Legion. On 7 March 2022, the Ukrainian Embassy in Seoul reported it had received some 100 applications from South Korean volunteers. [240], On 7 March 2022, Time reported Spanish nationals had enlisted at the Ukrainian consulate in Barcelona. The Territorial Defence Forces ( Ukrainian: , romanized : Viiska terytorialnoi oborony) are the military reserve component of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. [38][39][bettersourceneeded][original research? Meanwhile, at least 150,000 people fleeing the violence have crossed into neighboring countries . [44], In early March 2022, the Algerian government called on Ukraine to not enlist fighters from their country. The fightforua.org website contains detailed step-by-step instructions on how to join the just fight against . [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. Unofficially part of Ukrainian Foreign Legion. ", "International Brigades for Ukraine? Confirms American Volunteer Killed Fighting in Ukraine", "Dane Partridge, U.S. Volunteer, Killed by Shrapnel While Fighting Russians", "American Who Snuck Out of Dad's House to Fight Putin Is Dead", "American who became a hero of the Russian-Ukrainian war: Paul Kim by the call sign Kilo", "Timothy Griffin of New York state is killed fighting Russians in Ukraine", "US Army veteran killed fighting on Ukraine's southern front", "Charkw: Poegnanie polskiego Kozaka i jego towarzyszy. [127], A Bulgarian citizen has declared he intends to go to Ukraine to join the International Legion, according to the Telegraph newspaper. "[259] However, then prime minister Boris Johnson's office did not endorse Truss's statement. [3], In early March 2022, a French government adviser confirmed a dozen French nationals were in Ukraine and had likely joined the International Legion. [27] Most of the volunteers who reached Lviv and applied were accepted. In Kyiv, the 130th Territorial Defense Battalion is active. [226], The Singaporean Ministry of Home Affairs has stated that Singaporeans who are in Ukraine are potentially liable for any criminal offences committed outside Singapore, especially when fighting Russian-backed forces, with offenders liable for imprisonment from 15 years to life with fines included. [64], On 28 February, it was reported by Dnevnik.hr and Balkan Insight that Croatian fighters were already in Ukraine and more were intending to join them. [26], The criteria listed for joining included having prior military or medical experience and submitting documents as proof of military service to the Ministry of Defense official at the Ukrainian embassy. [29] The necessary probation period is the duration of the war. [242], Some members of groups opposing Bashar al-Assad in the Syrian Civil War have attempted to travel to Ukraine, motivated by Russia's support of the Assad regime. [54], Very shortly after the appeal for volunteers several hundreds of Swedish military volunteers enlisted in the International Legion for Ukraine, according to the Swedish newspaper Svenska Dagbladet. 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. See the Embassy's website for additional information). Ukraine's conflict with Russia is an interstate conflict of "national survival" against annexation, as was Finland's with the Soviet Union. 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. [260] The statement was also criticized by several politicians who said volunteers may be in violation of the Foreign Enlistment Act 1870. [73] The German Federal Police specified they would not let right-wing extremists travel to Ukraine. [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. [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. [37], The Prime Minister of Moldova, Natalia Gavrilia, was asked during a press conference on 28 February 2022 whether citizens of Moldova can join the International Legion. [134] A famous former Royal 22nd Regiment sniper nicknamed "Wali" from Montreal, called the deadliest sniper in the world after he reportedly eliminated 40 people a day as a sniper in Syria, Afghanistan and Iraq, also arrived in Ukraine to join the fight against Russia. He is certain Dutch citizens have perished during the fighting. [278], The first photo distributed by Ukraine of the International Legion reportedly showed American volunteers. 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. [107] The battalion eventually grew to a regiment of over 1000 volunteers. There are so many of those Canadian volunteer soldiers in Ukraine now they have their own brigade, part of an "International Legion" the Ukrainian government says is at least 20,000-strong. . [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. (This is in addition to Step 1.) There have been no reported cases of North Macedonian citizens going to Ukraine to join the International Legion. "The Foreign Ministry's travel bulletin recommends leaving Ukraine immediately. Foreign fighters can be sentenced to up to seven years upon return to India. [89], It was reported that 36 Senegalese nationals attempted to volunteer at the Ukrainian embassy in Dakar. Statement from the International Legion regarding media enquires and interview requests. [157] The French Foreign Legion prevents current serving legionnaires from serving in Ukraine. The same court had previously passed death sentences on two British members of regular Ukrainian units, under the same charges. German law does not forbid its citizens to enlist in the International Legion. [71], Former Georgian Defense Minister, Irakli Okruashvili with some volunteers also traveled to Ukraine and joined the call to arms to defend Ukraine against Russia. A spokesman for Ukraine's ministry of defence said that "we are focused on trained people. The Embassy of Ukraine in Brazil said that "it is not enlisting for the Ukrainian Foreign Legion" or "campaigning to join this military formation". There's always a lot of gray areas in war. It is illegal for Austrian citizens to enlist in the International Legion under Austrian law. However, attempting to recruit a German citizen into foreign military service is illegal. ], On 9 March 2022, the National Post reported that an anonymous representative of the International Legion of Territorial Defence of Ukraine had confirmed 550 Canadians were currently in the Canadian Ukrainian Brigade fighting in Ukraine. Mamulashvili also claimed they were waiting on the arrival of about 2030 other Albanian volunteers who have applied to join the war in Ukraine. 3. During the interview, the official laid out what the process and requirements are for foreign volunteers to join the newly-formed "International Legion of Territorial Defense of Ukraine." Ukrainian officials are recommending (but not requiring) that volunteers take their own gear like body armor, gloves, load-bearing vests, helmets, and the . [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. Ukrainian authorities have banned men between the ages of 18 and 60 from leaving the country. In response, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky denounced the Georgian government's "immoral position" and has recalled Ukraine's ambassador to Georgia. Of these, 50 are former members of the Japan Self-Defense Forces and two are former members of the French Foreign Legion. "[105], As of 28 December 2022, four Australian volunteers were killed in 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. [221], Dozens of Romanians sent messages to the Ukrainian embassy in Bucharest to be accepted into the International Legion. [82], On 4 March 2022, the Ukrainian embassy in the Hague declined to comment on the number of Dutch volunteers. In March 2022, Ministry of the Interior spokesman Harald Srs confirmed that the government intends to prosecute any violators of the law. 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". He claimed that the Turkish authorities had asked Ukraine not to accept any Turkish citizens into its Foreign Legion. 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. Despite this two Kosovar citizens reportedly travelled to join the International Legion in early March 2022. 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. [131] A second formation of Canadian and British volunteers was formed under the name Norman Brigade. The gratitude video prompted strong criticism from the Chinese and Hong Kong governments. [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. Nigeria bars its citizens from enlisting in the International Legion. Join the brave! [40] In early March, it claimed that it has recruited at least 600 people. [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. [239], On June 18, 2022, the South Korean government is checking claims that four South Korean nationals are killed in action fighting with the legion. The parliamentary groups of Estonia's Riigikogu are currently debating whether to allow Estonian citizens to volunteer to fight for Ukraine. 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. It was literally a made-for-television moment. [110][111], In Belgian law, it is not illegal for a Belgian citizen to enlist for service in a foreign army. [109], On 30 March 2022, it was reported that more Belarusian volunteers will be assigned to another volunteer unit called the Pahonia Regiment. "[19], Many commentators have compared the International Legion to the International Brigades of the Spanish Civil War,[20][21][22] which comprised foreign volunteers who supported the Second Spanish Republic against the Nationalist faction led by fascist general Francisco Franco that sought to overthrow the Republic. One of the soldiers died heroically on the battlefield. The instructor (standing center left) is U.S. Army veteran John Roberts from Newport Beach, California, who has been teaching through the International Legion of Defense of Ukraine since May 2022. [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]. [149], Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said on 27 February 2022, that volunteering was "a choice anyone could make. 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. Slovakian citizens who want to join the International Legion must obtain a permit from the Slovak Republic before joining. [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." [230] On 28 March, it was reported the deserter evaded being arrested and was on his way to join the legion. Il padre: "Mio figlio eroe di guerra", "Primul japonez ucis in lupta pe frontul din Ucraina. Abravitova told the Cape Town Press Club, on 11 March, that anyone who wanted to join Ukraine's fight against Russia was welcome. Mostly Chechen, many of whom fought in the, The battalion was created in honor of one of the leaders of the. Prompted by Russias attack against Ukraine Penal Codes have been amended to ensure an appropriate punishment for any person who takes part in aggression. 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. [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. Moldova discourages its citizens from enlisting into the legion. This is not applicable if the State of Israel has an agreement with the foreign country in question. 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? 02.Sep.2022 9:00 AM . Those willing to enlist need to approach a local military recruitment office. 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. The contemporary French Foreign Legion requires a 5-year commitment. [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. [271] Craig Mackintosh was killed on August 24, 2022 while working as a volunteer medic. Additionally, Dutch military code bars active Dutch soldiers from joining a foreign army and Dutch law bars civilians from enlisting in an enemy army in a war in which the Netherlands participates. Here's what to do. On Sunday, he appealed to international volunteers to join Ukraine's International Legion of Territorial Defense . Le volontaire franais tu sur le front tait originaire du Calvados", "Danish citizen dies in Ukraine conflict", "Muere un espaol que combata en la guerra de Ucrania y que se alist para luchar contra Rusia", "Killed Kiwi soldier was on foreign legion operation in Ukraine", "Prague confirms first Czech volunteer soldier killed in Ukraine", "Svensk man ddad i stridigheter i Ukraina", "Family 'enormously proud' of Irishman killed fighting for Ukraine", "Foreign fighter italiano morto in Ucraina. "A group of Georgian volunteers arrived in Ukraine to help the wounded in Ukraine and, if necessary, to take part in hostilities. I had to come & do what I can do best, do what I can do to protect Ukrainian people" Freedom is a choice. 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 . Organizations who enlist for foreign armies are illegal, but there are no provisions for citizens who take part. [4], Candidates are advised to contact the Defense Attach of the Ukrainian Embassy in their respective country. Thousands of American volunteers willing to defend Ukraine against Russia's invasion have signed up to join the International Legion of Territorial Defense, . Adverts have seemingly . [37], On February 1, 2023, an Uruguayan volunteer codenamed Teddy was reported to be fighting in Ukraine since February 24, 2022. It is illegal for Serbian citizens to enlist in the International Legion under Serbian law. 2. [203] "Based on Estonian laws, nobody can be punished as soon as they go to serve a foreign country," Lauri said. It is illegal for Indian citizens to enlist in the International Legion under Indian law. New Zealand discourages its citizens from enlisting. 'Ukraine will pay its soldiers 100 thousand hryvnias per month, - the Cabinet . It is unclear whether the United States Congress will pass legislation to waive this restriction with respect to the conflict in Ukraine. However, it may be legal for Dutch civilians to join the International Legion. The Latest in a Long Line: Ukraine's International Legion and a History of Foreign Fighters. [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. [4] In establishing the force, Ukraine joined more than 90 other nations that have recruited legionnaires and raised foreign legions over the past two centuries.[5]. [155], On August 30, 2022, President Zelensky awarded German Barinov with the Order of Courage, 3rd Class.[156]. Step 2. [23], Other commentators have criticized this comparison. According to her, there are other compatriots who also intend to fight in the service of Ukraine. In a tweet, the minister said: 'Foreigners willing to defend Ukraine and world order as part of the International Legion of Territorial Defense of Ukraine, I invite you to contract foreign . 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. [202], The first photo distributed by Ukraine of the International Legion reportedly showed Mexican volunteers. They will join Zelensky's new International Legion of the Territorial Defense of Ukraine They are joined by three Brits and a German troop, and are all NATO-trained Separately, 60 British . [297], According to an interview with a former German volunteer, around 800 to 1,000 people were at the base at the time of the Russian attack, of whom 100 were presumed dead. [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. [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. It is extremely dangerous." [59], As of July 2022, an ex-Sri Lankan commando known as Dentist has been deployed to the field in Kharkiv. Please help update this article to reflect recent events or newly available information. [224], In a BBC Focus Africa program on June 23, 2022, Russian Ministry of Defense officials claimed that four Senegalese volunteers were killed while under Ukrainian command. [222], Ukraine has said some former Russian soldiers have switched sides and have now joined Kyiv's forces. and reiterated "in order to urge Russia to stop its military aggression against Ukraine, Taiwan will participate in the economic sanctions imposed on Russia along with the international community. 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. Foreign nationals who have legally resided in Ukraine for at least five years are also welcomed. man killed defending Ukrainian city from Russian forces, family says", "Guerre en Ukraine. [265], It was reported that a 19 year old Royal Marine reservist called Nana and another one of his comrades left their homes and are fighting in the Eastern Ukraine Campaign. However, it is legal for New Zealanders to enlist in the International Legion under New Zealand law. [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). [204] Source: Legion representative Damien Magru . [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. Four more soldiers were wounded. [238] The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency is in the process of adding his name to a no-fly list. [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. This development would also assist in embarrassing the Western governments, who in the eyes of many Ukrainians are not doing enough to support Kyiv. The ministry is highly limited in its ability to assist Finns in the war zone," ministry representatives told Yle in an email. [146], Citizens of the Czech Republic are allowed to join other countries' armed forces as foreign volunteers if they get an approval by the President of the Czech Republic. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said earlier . this stipulated that their pay would be . [128][failed verification], On September 25, 2022, Bulgarian National Assembly candidate Ivan Kalchev has volunteered to participate with the legion in the Ukrainian counteroffensive. 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. [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. Croatia allows participation in the war on the condition that the constitutional order of that country is not violated, its territorial integrity is undermined and mercenary is not involved. [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". [37] The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed the identity and background of a Belgian and Finnish volunteer through video interviews on their Twitter. Iron Navy has been active in Ukraine since the Russian invasion in February 2022 . If such an act is committed by a legal person, it is punishable by a pecuniary punishment. [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. [37] [129], In early March 2022, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen urged Cambodians not to travel to Ukraine and fight with Ukrainians in the legion. Contact the Ukrainian embassy in your country, and ask to join the Ukraine International Legion. Mar 3, 2022. [272] Ex-Army reservist and dual Ukrainian-British national Viktor Yatsunyk was killed by a landmine in Izium. 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. The National Post reported that at least one South African national was recruited into the Norman Brigade. 7 steps. 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. 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 . [185], Giulia Schiff, an ex-Italian Air Force pilot, was reported to be in Kyiv after she enlisted with the legion's special forces unit. comments sorted by Best Top New Controversial Q&A Add a Comment . ", "Guerre en Ukraine: est-ce que des Belges peuvent aller combattre? These men and women are so brave and provide a huge service to the Ukranian army with their . ", "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? [88], On 3 March, Senegal's foreign ministry condemned a social media post by the country's Ukrainian embassy calling for volunteers as illegal under Senegalese law. [249], On 13 May, an ex-Taiwanese marine is reported to have been recruited in the legion and is deployed in Eastern Ukraine. [61] Despite this, an unknown number of Vietnamese military veterans have expressed their desire to help the Ukrainians. [178], The Ukrainian Embassy focused on recruiting Israelis through its Facebook page. Some volunteers cited Ukraine's quickness to recognize Croatia's independence in 1991 as a causus belli to join Ukraine. "[35], A significant response has been reported in France to Zelenskyy's call for foreign fighters, with online interest estimated in the thousands, and some having already gone to Ukraine as of 3 March. "[80], By April 2022 dozens of Moldovan citizens were fighting in Ukraine against the Russian occupiers, most of them enlisted in the Ukrainian army in the first few days of the war. Ukrainians are returning to their country, answering the call to come and fight. Russia has stated foreign fighters (i.e. [163], On 28 February 50 Georgian volunteers arrived in Ukraine. [243], On 22 March, a Taiwanese Amis volunteer named Wang Jui-ti traveled to Helsinki to hand his application to join the Legion. Interview with a Defense Attach of the Embassy of Ukraine to review your application to volunteer for military service. Turkey has refused to comment on its citizens enlisting in the International Legion.