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The right to choose a brigade: how foreign nationals can join Ukraine’s Defence Forces

Since the first days of russia’s full-scale aggression, thousands of volunteers from over 50 countries around the world have fought shoulder to shoulder with Ukrainian defenders. Their courage and dedication to the struggle represent a critically important contribution to our shared victory.

The Ministry of Defence clarifies the procedure for joining and the current specifics of contract military service for foreign nationals.

Contract military service for foreign nationals: eligibility requirements and applicable procedures

At present, foreign nationals are eligible to serve in any combat brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, with no limitations regarding unit assignment.

The military service of foreign nationals and stateless persons in Defence Forces units is regulated by the Law of Ukraine ‘On Military Duty and Military Service’ and by the ‘Regulation on Military Service in the Armed Forces of Ukraine by Foreign Nationals and Stateless Persons,’ approved by a Presidential Decree.

The key eligibility requirements for foreign nationals entering contract military service are as follows:

  • A commitment to recognize and comply with the Constitution of Ukraine and the laws of Ukraine;
  • The foreign national must have legal grounds for presence in Ukraine;
  • The foreign national must have a clean criminal record;
  • The foreign national must hold a valid passport or a document certifying the status of a stateless person.

When foreign nationals are considered for positions, their prior military service experience, specialty, and education are taken into account. In the absence of such experience, foreign nationals, after being accepted into military service, are assigned to training centers and military units to undergo specialized courses and acquire the relevant Military Occupational Specialty (MOS). In addition, candidates’ medical fitness, as assessed by the Military Medical Commission (MMC), and age eligibility (18–60 years) are taken into account during selection.

To streamline the recruitment procedures for these categories of individuals, the Cabinet of Ministers established the Recruitment Center for Foreign Nationals and Stateless Persons (RCFNSP) in November 2024. The RCFNSP functions as a unified hub responsible for logistical support, accelerated special background screening, and assistance in assigning candidates to military units.

After applying to the RCFNSP (or directly to a military unit or enlistment office) and successfully completing the required checks, a foreign national signs a contract for a duration of three to five years, with a mandatory two-month probationary period.

Important restriction to note: During martial law, a contract can be terminated voluntarily only after six months of continuous service. Candidates must be aware of the legal consequences of entering into a contract.

Foreign nationals are eligible to serve in any combat brigade

Since 2022, various formats have existed within the Armed Forces of Ukraine and other components of the Defence Forces for involving foreign nationals in the fight against the aggressor — from the creation of separate military formations such as the International Legion, the Kastuś Kalinoŭski Regiment, and the Freedom of Russia Legion, to effective and operational units integrated into combat brigades. In particular, foreign volunteers effectively perform missions within mechanized brigades, special operations reconnaissance units, and a range of other key Defence Forces formations.

Currently, the approach to deploying foreign service members is evolving. The core principle of the new model is to leverage their experience, motivation, and professional skills.

Foreign volunteers will have broader opportunities for military service, including the right to choose their combat brigade, area of assignment, and role based on their skills, experience, and preferences. This approach ensures better integration compared to mandatory assignment to separate international units. This model addresses the challenges of war and facilitates the integration of foreign volunteers into combat operations more effectively, while clearly affirming that everyone who chooses to fight for Ukraine and freedom is, and will remain, an integral part of the Ukrainian military.

Furthermore, the expansion of social guarantees for foreign service members, including access to state pension benefits, is under consideration.

The Ministry of Defence is currently finalizing the Concept Governing the Recruitment and Military Service of Foreign Nationals and Stateless Persons, which is designed to entrench and enhance these new mechanisms.

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