[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. Although no law prohibits the Portuguese citizens from fighting for the International Legion, the Portuguese government does not encourage any citizen to do it. [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]. Indian domestic law clearly bars foreign fighters under Chapter VI, Section 121-130 of the Indian Penal Code. [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. [155], On August 30, 2022, President Zelensky awarded German Barinov with the Order of Courage, 3rd Class.[156]. [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. The costs are up to US$1,5 thousand per person, including air tickets and documentation. 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. Territorial Defence soldiers during the Battle of Kyiv, 25 February 2022. [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. Write an application for enlistment. [37] It is illegal for Montenegrin citizens to enlist in the International Legion under Montenegrin law. The contemporary French Foreign Legion requires a 5-year commitment. There have been no reported cases of North Macedonian citizens going to Ukraine to join the International Legion. [165], The Ukrainian embassy in Athens, in early March 2022, received dozens of requests from Greek citizens and Ukrainian diaspora asking for information on how they could join the International Legion. Norwegian citizens can legally enlist in the International Legion under Norwegian law. Chaparro's unit has helped donating food, water, commodities and fuel to civilians affected by Russian bombings. El Espectador managed to get in touch with one of the former Colombian soldiers, identified as Camilo Snchez, who said in the interview he and the group of ex-soldiers had contacted a Ukrainian military official to enlist. Australia discourages its citizens from enlisting and the legality of volunteering under Australian law is unclear. [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. [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. In Kyiv, the 130th Territorial Defense Battalion is active. Israeli law has a provision forbidding citizens from joining a foreign military, with a potential punishment of up to three years in prison. There are several formal conditions that must be met in order to issue a permit. [129], In early March 2022, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen urged Cambodians not to travel to Ukraine and fight with Ukrainians in the legion. It is a new effort, a Ukrainian official tells Military Times, to help bolster the fight. 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. 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. 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. [6], Under the order by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the unit was created to join the defence against the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, and its formation was announced in a statement by the Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba on 27 February, three days after the invasion began. His squad then joined the International Legion. That's A Moment for Worry", "No pasarn: anti-fascist slogan takes on new significance in Ukraine crisis", "Ukraine's foreign fighters have little in common with those who signed up to fight in the Spanish Civil War", "From the role of international volunteers to debates about Western intervention, there are many comparisons to be made between Ukraine and the Spanish Civil War", "The International Legion for the Territorial Defense of Ukraine was created", "Volunteer fighters arrive in Ukraine. Dmytro Kuleba (@DmytroKuleba) February 27, 2022 [11] Most foreign fighters arrived throughout the summer of 2014[12] and on 6 October 2014 the Ukrainian parliament voted to allow foreign fighters to join the Ukrainian military. 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. Ukraine must feel good that so many people came from all over the world to fight with them. [118], According to De Morgen, 14 Belgians travelled to fight in Ukraine between February and June 2022. [38][39][bettersourceneeded][original research? ", "Russia Vows Prosecution of Foreign Fighters After 16K Join Ukraine", "Senegal calls Ukraine embassy war recruitment post illegal, summons ambassador", "Serbia vows punishment for volunteers going to Ukraine", "Offence for anyone in Singapore to travel to Ukraine to take up arms: MHA", "Niektor Slovci chc s bojova na Ukrajinu, pomoc na fronte je trestn", "Hundreds of South Africans eager to join fight against Russian invasion Ukraine's ambassador to SA", "9 South Koreans currently in Ukraine as volunteer fighters: Report", "Mercenarios o voluntarios? 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. If you wish to join them you can contact Ukrainian embassies and tell them you want to fight. The foreign legion does now appear to be adapting. [276] The Neutrality Act of 1794, a federal law whose provisions remains in effect as of March 2022, prohibits United States citizens from taking up arms while on US territory against any country at peace with the United States. It is illegal for Uzbek citizens to enlist in the International Legion. [139], On 4 March 2022, Colombian newspaper El Espectador reported that at least 50 former Colombian soldiers will join the International Legion in Ukraine. [222], Ukraine has said some former Russian soldiers have switched sides and have now joined Kyiv's forces. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba claimed that by 6 March 2022 more than 20,000 volunteers from 52 countries had enlisted to fight for Ukraine; several thousand more reportedly joined after the announcement. Noman elebicihan posted", "Who Are the Americans Who Went to Fight in Ukraine? Cambodia discourages its citizens from enlisting. Your Army. At the time of publication of this post, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine has reported that 20,000 foreigners from 52 different countries have already volunteered to fight in the UKR Legion against the Russian invasion. 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.". [167][168] In that video, the Ukrainian military thanked the 20,000 volunteers from more than 50 countries. [237] Rhee mentioned that he's willing to be investigated by the police over his presence in Ukraine and has politely turned down Ukrainian nationality. Units involved; Order of battle: Order of battle: Strength; Pre-invasion at border: 169,000-190,000 Pre-invasion total strength: 900,000 military 554,000 . 2. [163], On 28 February 50 Georgian volunteers arrived in Ukraine. 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. [158][159][160][161], As of July 9, 2022, two French volunteers were killed in action. The Secret Weapons of Ukraine. ], 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. This is a huge loss for all of us. [208], The first official Dutch casualty of the war perished on May 4, 2022. I had to come & do what I can do best, do what I can do to protect Ukrainian people" Freedom is a choice. [227] Various news sources claim a well-known South Korean Navy SEAL team is already in Ukraine fighting, which includes YouTube/TV celebrity Ken Rhee. [217], On 8 March 2022 the Ukrainian Embassy posted an appeal on social media for volunteers to join the International legion. Andrew Peters, 28, was serving as a member of . Together we defeated Hitler, and we will defeat Putin, too. "[189], As of 2 March 2022, 70 Japanese men have applied to be volunteers of the volunteer foreign legion. On 3 March 2022, the Ukrainian embassy in Washington, DC announced that 3,000 US citizens had signed up to volunteer. [249], On 13 May, an ex-Taiwanese marine is reported to have been recruited in the legion and is deployed in Eastern Ukraine. [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. The National Post reported that at least one South African national was recruited into the Norman Brigade. The Territorial Defence Forces ( Ukrainian: , romanized : Viiska terytorialnoi oborony) are the military reserve component of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The United States Department of State issued a travel advisory formally advising all Americans not to travel to Ukraine. An International Legion spokesperson clarified that position recently. State Border Guard Service of Ukraine guards prohibited him from entering after Seoul passed information about him going AWOL before crossing the Polish-Ukrainian border. Step 1. [174], Sky News reported in early March 2022 that at least one Iranian had traveled to Ukraine to join the International Legion. [40] Belgian Minister of Defence Ludivine Dedonder confirmed on 15 March 2022 that one Belgian soldier had resigned to join the International Legion and another Belgian soldier had deserted to enlist in the International Legion. [258], Liz Truss, then Foreign Secretary of the United Kingdom said "the people of Ukraine are fighting for freedom and democracy, not just for Ukraine but also for the whole of Europe because that is what President Vladimir Putin is challenging. [104], On 28 February 2022, when asked about Australians volunteering for Ukraine, the Prime Minister of Australia Scott Morrison told reporters "I would counsel against that purely for the safety of Australians that they would not travel to Ukraine," and "I would say at this time the legality of such actions are uncertain under Australian law. 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. Los combatientes extranjeros en Ucrania", "Oklart hur mnga svenskar som kt till Ukraina fr att kriga - Frsvarsmakten: "Kan inte hindra ngon", "Des volontaires suisses dans la lgion internationale en Ukraine", "Foreign ministry discourages Taiwanese from joining Ukrainian foreign legion", "Thai democracy activists sign up to fight 'tyranny' in Ukraine", "American Fighters, Ukraine, and the Neutrality Act: The Law and the Urgent Need for Clarity", "Russia-Ukraine war: Meet the Afghan refugees fighting Moscow's latest invasion", "Ucrania recluta voluntarios argentinos que quieran enfrentarse contra la invasin rusa", "Argentine volunteers enlisting to join International Legion to defend Ukraine: Many are willing to pay for the 8,000-mile journey themselves if it means helping the Ukrainian people", "Scott Morrison advises Australians against travelling to Ukraine to fight Russian invasion: Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called on "citizens of the world" to join the fight against Russia as their forces battle to counter Moscow's advances", "Australian man who died fighting in Ukraine remembered as 'defender of freedom', " ", " ", "How Belarusian Fighters in Ukraine Evolved Into Prominent Force Against Russian Invasion", "Another Belarusian military unit announces formation for battles for Ukraine, this time regiment", "Understanding Belarus: Is it Putin's accomplice or a victim? [266] He was detained upon his return to the UK on 21 March. As of November 2022, volunteers from the legion were recruited from 60 countries. [241], The first photo distributed by Ukraine of the International Legion reportedly showed Swedish volunteers.[37]. These men and women are so brave and provide a huge service to the Ukranian army with their . 7 steps. Already many veterans are asking how to join the effort and what steps to take. 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. Italian law does not forbid enlistment in a foreign army, although there are provisions banning the organisation of said enlistment, as well as mercenaries. [145], The Embassy of Ukraine in Havana attempted to recruit for the International Legion in March 2022. [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. [201], In early March 2022, the State Service of Special Communications and Information Protection of Ukraine reported Mexican volunteers had joined the International Legion in defense of Kyiv. [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. The paper also claims that one of the unit's commanders is an alleged former member of a criminal organization from Poland, wanted at home for fraud: the Legion's fighters accuse him of abusing power by ordering soldiers to loot shops, threatening soldiers with a gun, and sexually harassing the legion's female medics. [61], Some casualties have been officially reported. [278], The first photo distributed by Ukraine of the International Legion reportedly showed American volunteers. The Ukrainian so-called "foreign territorial defense legion" was replenished with "volunteers" from Japan. n 288 "Arruolamenti o armamenti non autorizzati a servizio di uno Stato estero" del Codice Penale", "Foreign Fighters from Asia in Ukraine? They left for Ukraine on February 28. Nana was reportedly injured in the city of Bakhmu during a tank siege. [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. Arrive at the Embassy with documents for an interview with the Defense Attach and settlement of visa issues with the Consul. 32. [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. [24] Moreover, the Brigades were organised by the Communist International, and thus mostly comprised communists with backgrounds in labour movements, whereas the Ukrainian Legion is composed of volunteers from a broader spectrum of ideologies. Mar 3, 2022. Undated video published by 3rd Assault showed AFU tanks moving to attack and RF-held buildings under heavy autocannon fire from infantry combat vehicles. [217], Serbian law bars its nationals from participation in foreign conflicts. According to Article 94 of the Swiss Military Penal Code, such service is prohibited for Swiss without permission of the Federal Council, under penalty of a fine or imprisonment for a maximum of three years. 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. [14] Prior to the formation of the International Legion, the Georgian Legion was used to train English-speaking foreign volunteers. 04 March 2022. However the Ukrainian embassy in Bangkok did not confirm how many had successfully volunteered for the International Legion. [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. [262], Ukrainian sources said 6,000 Britons had registered an interest in joining. Russians fighting for Ukraine) are. [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. "[99] "The government fully understands the sentiment of its nationals who want to stand for righteousness and give their support to Ukraine. The units and their respective nationalities have been reported as being part of the International Legion: A Special Forces wing, known as the Legionnaires Special Service Group (LSSG), is made of foreign fighters and was initiated by the Ukrainian Defense Ministry's intelligence directorate (GUR). It is publicly unknown if there is an agreement with Ukraine, Israel's Foreign Ministry would not comment further. The government of the Republic of China discourages its citizens from enlisting. RUSSIA . [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. [150], On 7 April, an anonymous Danish volunteer soldier claimed to have killed 100 Russian soldiers during various operations. Analysts say those who have responded to the call need to reconsider", "Explainer: Is it legal for foreigners to fight for 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. [216], In a BBC Focus Africa program, Russian Ministry of Defense officials claimed that 38 Nigerians were killed while under Ukrainian command. [98], On May 5, 2022, a Swiss national and two French nationals were reported to be traveling to Ukraine to join the legion. And security of "sources and methods" is always a concern. "And if people come back who received [Estonian] citizenship via naturalization, then they may be stripped of their citizenship.". The announcement was made on Twitter by his acquaintance. [41], Former New Zealander defense minister Ron Marks said that around 20 New Zealanders are fighting for the legion. [59], The first photo of International Legion distributed by Ukraine reportedly showed Lithuanian volunteers. 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. [178], The Ukrainian Embassy focused on recruiting Israelis through its Facebook page. 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. People were asked not to bring their own weapons to Ukraine. The new body would be open to "foreigners willing to defend Ukraine and [the] world order" from Russian attacks, said Kuleba. [108] It is not part of the International Legion in order to preserve greater autonomy. [122], As of July 6, three Brazilian volunteers were killed fighting in Ukraine. Aiden Aslin, John Harding, Dylan Healy, Andrew Hill and Shaun Pinner all returned home to the UK. man killed defending Ukrainian city from Russian forces, family says", "Guerre en Ukraine. "Przyczymy si do obrony Kijowa", "J h portugueses a combater contra os russos, diz Ucrnia", "Un tnr de 19 ani din Baia Mare vrea s lupte pentru Ucraina: "Am n minte imaginile cu mame i copii fugind. Algeria discourages its citizens from enlisting. [243], On 22 March, a Taiwanese Amis volunteer named Wang Jui-ti traveled to Helsinki to hand his application to join the Legion. symbol. [135][136] He returned to his home country after two months. The same court had previously passed death sentences on two British members of regular Ukrainian units, under the same charges. [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. [37], On February 1, 2023, an Uruguayan volunteer codenamed Teddy was reported to be fighting in Ukraine since February 24, 2022. [220], The Government of Ukraine stated on 4 March 2022 that "some Portuguese" were already fighting in the International Legion of Territorial Defence. for foreign nationals to join the International Legion. Nance did just that, the next day. [231], Damien Magrou reported to South Korean media on 28 March that South Korean volunteers are already deployed and fighting Russian troops. [102], Mamuka Mamulashvili, a commander of foreign volunteers in Ukraine, said in an interview with Euronews Albania on 3 March 2022 that there were currently two Albanians in the International Legion. This regiment is separate from the regular international legion, but recruits from the force. 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? These international legions are presumably working closely with the Ukrainian armed forces, but without being part of the nation's military. The Norwegian government reminds about dangers, rules and responsibilities. Indonesian citizens who enlist in a foreign military without permission from the president will lose their citizenship. However, as of 10 March, only 100 were approved to join. However, it may be legal for Dutch civilians to join the International Legion. Foreign nationals who have legally resided in Ukraine for at least five years are also welcomed. It is illegal for Vietnamese citizens to enlist in the International Legion. [244] On 29 March, he said that the application was not successful because the legion changed its requirements for volunteers to have military experience with combat exposure. Anyone who wants to fight for the security in Europe, can come and stand hand to hand with Ukrainians against XXI century invaders. "- Georgian Radio Free reported.[164]. It is illegal for Austrian citizens to enlist in the International Legion under Austrian law. The International Legion of Territorial Defense of Ukraine (Ukrainian:. [151], On 26 April, a 25 year old was the first Dane to have been confirmed killed in combat. [92], It is unclear whether volunteering for foreign military service is illegal under South African law. . 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). [13], While these units have officially been integrated into the Ukrainian Armed Forces, some units such as the Georgian Legion still exercise some autonomy. However, under French law, France can order a five-year jail term for "mercenaries" who are "specifically recruited to fight in an armed conflict," are neither "from a state involved in the armed conflict" or a "member of such state's military," and who are paid to "participate or try to participate in the hostilities. "[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. 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 . [218], A Peruvian former soldier discharged from the Peruvian army, Csar Eduardo Prez Farfn, is reported to have traveled to Ukraine to join the International legion. 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 . "A group of Georgian volunteers arrived in Ukraine to help the wounded in Ukraine and, if necessary, to take part in hostilities. [23], Other commentators have criticized this comparison. 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. [277] By 10 March 2022, the embassy had announced that 6,000 United States citizens had attempted to sign up for the International Legion. Of these, 50 are former members of the Japan Self-Defense Forces and two are former members of the French Foreign Legion.