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International Legions: Ukraine values every foreign volunteer fighter

Recently, a significant amount of conflicting information has been circulating in the public domain regarding the reorganization of units of foreign volunteer service members in Ukraine. Below is an explanation of the rationale for these changes, which aim to strengthen the army’s combat capability.

1. What are the International Legions and how are they structured?

It is important to understand that the “International Legion” is not a single military unit; rather, it is an umbrella term for a broader network of volunteer military formations operating across different components of the Defence Forces. Typically, references to the “Legion” relate to infantry battalions within the Land Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the Territorial Defence Forces, formed at the start of the full-scale war to enable the rapid admission of foreign volunteer fighters. These battalions are currently undergoing transformation. However, they are not the only units involved.

At present, special units continue their operations within the following components:

  • The International Legion of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defence, conducting complex intelligence operations;
  • In the Special Operations Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, foreign professionals are integrated into combat groups alongside their Ukrainian counterparts;
  • The National Guard actively integrates foreign nationals into its brigades (for example, “Khartiia”);

In other words, the foreign volunteer element of Ukraine’s Defence Forces is a dynamic, multifaceted force operating across all levels — from infantry to special forces — and there can be no question of its dissolution.

2. Are the International Legions of the Armed Forces of Ukraine being disbanded?

No, this is not true. The International Legions are not being disbanded. They are undergoing a transformation to become stronger. Rather than operating as separate “light” battalions, Legion units are being integrated into experienced and effective brigades of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. They are now becoming part of a larger, unified military force.

3. Why are foreign nationals being reassigned to regular brigades?

This is intended to provide them with better weapons and protection. Previously, Legion personnel often operated as light infantry. As part of a large mechanized brigade, foreign units gain access to the resources and logistics of regular formations. This allows the same combat missions to be performed under improved protection, with cover provided by a brigade’s armored vehicles.

4. What will happen to highly specialized personnel (medics, UAV operators, and others)?

They will serve in their areas of expertise — in other words, no one will be hammering nails with a microscope. The army is focused on effectiveness, which is why snipers, UAV pilots, and paramedics will be assigned to appropriate positions within specialized companies of their new brigades. Moreover, foreign nationals retain the right to choose: if a brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine is not the right fit, they may request reassignment to other components — for example, to units of the Main Intelligence Directorate of Ukraine, the Special Operations Forces of Ukraine, or the National Guard of Ukraine, as noted above.

Ukraine values every foreign volunteer fighter. The Ukrainian military is removing barriers, ensuring foreign service members receive support and guarantees on par with Ukrainian warriors and, most importantly, the same level of protection and provision.

Foreign nationals are welcome in the Defence Forces of Ukraine as the Ukrainian military continues to evolve into a unified, even more powerful force.

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