MoD regulates the service of foreign nationals in officer positions

Today, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine endorsed a draft presidential Decree that regulates the procedure for foreign nationals and stateless persons to enter contract military service in officer positions. The document, drafted by the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine, will also refine the procedures for awarding foreign nationals initial and subsequent officer ranks and for establishing the duration of their military service.

The possibility for foreign nationals and stateless persons to serve under contract in designated units of the Defense Forces of Ukraine is provided by Ukrainian legislation. To be eligible, they must be legally present in Ukraine and undergo the required security procedures. The document proposed by the Ministry of Defence will regulate their service under officer contracts and allow the recruitment of qualified foreign specialists to command positions.

The draft Decree stipulates that foreign nationals and stateless persons may serve, including in officer positions, in the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the State Special Transport Service.

It was drafted in compliance with the requirements of the Law of Ukraine No. 3633-IX of 11 April 2024, “On Amendments to Certain Laws of Ukraine Regarding Certain Matters Related to Military Service During Martial Law,” and the Law of Ukraine No. 4019-IX of 10 October 2024, “On Amendments to Certain Laws of Ukraine Regarding the Procedure for Military Service Under Contract by Foreign Nationals and Stateless Persons in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the State Special Transport Service, and the National Guard of Ukraine.”