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. [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. Already many veterans are asking how to join the effort and what steps to take. [33], Kacper Rkawek, a researcher on foreign fighters in Ukraine, stressed the large number of volunteers announced by Ukraine were "people who applied, who got in touch with the Ukrainian Embassy" and not necessarily the number of foreign fighters in Ukraine. symbol. [176], Rory Mason was the first Irish volunteer killed in the Kharkiv region in late September or early October 2022. It is illegal for Belarusian citizens to enlist in the International Legion. [198][199], On 8 March 2022, member of the Saeima Juris Juras[lv] of the New Conservative Party volunteered to fight with fellow Latvians in Ukraine. [249], On 13 May, an ex-Taiwanese marine is reported to have been recruited in the legion and is deployed in Eastern Ukraine. [219], Polish citizens may join the army of foreign countries only after approval of a written application by the Polish Ministry of National Defense. Dmytro Kuleba (@DmytroKuleba) February 27, 2022 Analysts say those who have responded to the call need to reconsider", "Explainer: Is it legal for foreigners to fight for Ukraine? Moldova discourages its citizens from enlisting into the legion. Write an application for enlistment. In a statement made by a group of Moldovans fighting on the front in Ukraine, in November 2022, the number is more then 300 Moldovan citizens in the International Legion. New Zealand discourages its citizens from enlisting. Join the brave! The Embassy of Ukraine in Brazil said that "it is not enlisting for the Ukrainian Foreign Legion" or "campaigning to join this military formation". [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. [86] A group of at least 30 people in Poland who were willing to join the International Legion have reportedly organized to begin training. [82], On 4 March 2022, the Ukrainian embassy in the Hague declined to comment on the number of Dutch volunteers. Aiden Aslin, John Harding, Dylan Healy, Andrew Hill and Shaun Pinner all returned home to the UK. 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 . "[99] "The government fully understands the sentiment of its nationals who want to stand for righteousness and give their support to Ukraine. On February 27, 2022, just two days after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called for "friends of Ukraine, freedom and democracy" to volunteer for the Ukrainian Territorial . However, there is no way to determine the exact number of casualties due to the fog of war. In many ways, Ukraine's International Legion harkens back to the International Brigades, the storied volunteer formations fighting for the Republican Government during the Spanish Civil War in . The Ukraine Army General Staff (AGS) Monday situation estimate made no mention of the AFU assaults to the north of Bakhmut, only acknowledging heavy Russian artillery fire in that sector. [79], Several members of the Kosovar diaspora in Switzerland reportedly contacted the embassy in Bern in early March 2022 to join the International Legion. [149], Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said on 27 February 2022, that volunteering was "a choice anyone could make. [113], The Ukrainian embassy in Brussels confirmed on 15 March that 18 Belgian residents had arrived in Ukraine to enlist in the international legion while a further 92 had expressed interest in joining. Despite this two Kosovar citizens reportedly travelled to join the International Legion in early March 2022. A Sri Lankan veteran code-named Dentist and two US Marines code-named Cash and Yato are credited with forming this elite division. A spokesman for Ukraine's ministry of defence said that "we are focused on trained people. It is illegal for Macedonian citizens to enlist in the International Legion under North Macedonian law. It is publicly unknown if there is an agreement with Ukraine, Israel's Foreign Ministry would not comment further. Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has created "The International Legion of Territorial Defense of Ukraine." Ukraine general vows to keep battling Russia as call goes out for foreign fighters. However, the last prosecution for violating the law was in 1896 and the government has not threatened its enforcement since the, The United States discourages its citizens from enlisting in the International Legion. "[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. [202], The first photo distributed by Ukraine of the International Legion reportedly showed Mexican volunteers. 1:10 p.m. EST 12:40 p.m. EST. in the Territorial Defense of the Armed Forces of Ukraine for military service under a contract on a voluntary basis. This was reported by the Office of the President of Ukraine.. He is certain Dutch citizens have perished during the fighting. Belgium discourages its citizens from enlisting. The Ukrainian so-called "foreign territorial defense legion" was replenished with "volunteers" from Japan. Andr Hack Bahi was killed on June 4 while helping fellow volunteers escape during fighting in the Luhansk region. 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). [135][136] He returned to his home country after two months. Territorial Defence soldiers during the Battle of Kyiv, 25 February 2022. [112] However, Time reported on 7 March 2022 that Belgium was dissuading its veterans from joining 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. . "[90], Nevertheless, a spokesman for the International Legion confirmed that there indeed are a number of Serb fighters in the legion and that they are fighting alongside fighters from neighboring countries. Now, following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24, some U.S. military veterans eager for a war with what they see as a righteous cause have pledged to come to Ukraine's defense. Meanwhile, at least 150,000 people fleeing the violence have crossed into neighboring countries . The new body would be open to "foreigners willing to defend Ukraine and [the] world order" from Russian attacks, said Kuleba. [170], Oz Katerji, a freelance war correspondent based in Kyiv, tweeted on 1 March that "a group of Kurds have joined the Ukrainian foreign legion" to fight against Russia. Asta e mna Moscovei", "40 Nederlanders onderweg naar Oekrane om te vechten tegen de Russen: 'Niet iedereen overziet de gevolgen', "Dutch Foreign Legion fighters wounded in Russian missile attack in western Ukraine", "Oekraens leger bevestigt: Nederlandse vrijwilliger overleden", "Another Dutch fighter killed in combat in Ukraine", "Over 500 Kiwis volunteer to fight for Ukraine International Legion against Russia despite a 'do not travel' warning", "New Zealand soldier who joined Ukraine foreign legion confirmed killed", "Corporal Dominic Abelen believed to have worked for special forces foreign military unit", "Kiwi soldier killed in Ukraine: New details emerge as foreign unit's 'luck ran out', "Nigerian volunteer: 'Fighting in Ukraine is better than living here', "Ukraine war: Nigerian and Senegalese soldiers killed, says Russia", Tidligere sametingsrepresentant i Ukraina: Jeg fler at det er vr tid for gi noe tilbake, "Peruano se une como voluntario para defender a Ucrania del ataque ruso: "Estoy dispuesto a dar mi vida", "Polak formuje oddzia do walki w Ukrainie. [103] On 22 March, it was reported that an unknown number of Argentinians have signed up to join. Chaparro's unit has helped donating food, water, commodities and fuel to civilians affected by Russian bombings. [98], The Saeima of Latvia unanimously approved immunity from prosecution for Latvian volunteers who wish to join combat on the side of the Ukrainian military. ], The participation of any Hong Konger in the international legion was first officially documented in a thank-you video posted on Twitter on 18 December 2022 by the Ukrainian Ministry of Defence. Of these, 50 are former members of the Japan Self-Defense Forces and two are former members of the French Foreign Legion. It is illegal for Montenegrin citizens to enlist in the International Legion under Montenegrin law. [231], Damien Magrou reported to South Korean media on 28 March that South Korean volunteers are already deployed and fighting Russian troops. [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. "- Georgian Radio Free reported.[164]. 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. 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 . 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". An Estonian-based private military contractor (PMC) called Iron Navy that offers security services for government entities and businesses operating in "high-risk areas or conflict zones," posted on Facebook on February 11 about a project in Ukraine to protect civilians endangered by mines and unexploded ordnance. 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.". These men and women are so brave and provide a huge service to the Ukranian army with their . [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. The foreign minister of Ukraine, Dmytro Kuleba, said on February 27, via Twitter: "Foreigners willing to defend Ukraine and world order as part of the International Legion of Territorial Defense . The foreign legion does now appear to be adapting. And absolutely, if people want to support that struggle, I would support them in doing that. [166][unreliable source? [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. [296] As many as 1,000 foreign fighters had been training at the base as part of the Ukrainian Foreign Legion. Georgia discourages its citizens from enlisting. [192][193] On November 7, Asahi Shimbun interviewed an anonymous Japanese volunteer who joined the legion with minimal military experience. [169], Sky News reported at least one Hungarian, Akos Horvath, traveled to Ukraine to join the International Legion in March 2022. [209] On September 20, 2022, it was reported that another Dutch volunteer was killed in Kharkiv. This development would also assist in embarrassing the Western governments, who in the eyes of many Ukrainians are not doing enough to support Kyiv. I had to come & do what I can do best, do what I can do to protect Ukrainian people" Freedom is a choice. Prompted by Russias attack against Ukraine Penal Codes have been amended to ensure an appropriate punishment for any person who takes part in aggression. Norwegian citizens can legally enlist in the International Legion under Norwegian law. [273] Simon Lingard died of shrapnel wounds after his unit came under attack from Russian forces. The Netherlands discourages its citizens from enlisting and it is illegal for active-duty Dutch soldiers to enlist in the International Legion under Dutch law. [81], Minister of Defence Kajsa Ollongren advised Dutch nationals not to travel to Ukraine saying "The country's travel advice is red. [155], On August 30, 2022, President Zelensky awarded German Barinov with the Order of Courage, 3rd Class.[156]. On Sunday, he appealed to international volunteers to join Ukraine's International Legion of Territorial Defense . There have been no reported cases of North Macedonian citizens going to Ukraine to join the International Legion. Step 2. ", "Atencin: otro soldado colombiano muri en Ucrania al caer en un campo con explosivos", "S. Korea verifying report of death of volunteer fighter in Ukraine", "S. Korea verifying Russian data showing deaths of 4 volunteer fighters in Ukraine", "INFO EUROPE 1 - Premier dcs d'un combattant franais en Ukraine", "Guerre en Ukraine: un second Franais, g de 20 ans, est mort au combat contre les Russes", "Guerre en Ukraine: David D., combattant franais de 50 ans, a t tu sur le front prs de Donetsk", "Third French fighter killed on Ukrainian battlefield", "Les autorits ukrainiennes donnent les noms de quatre volontaires trangers tus", "Australian man dubbed the 'Kharkiv Ninja' killed while fighting Russian forces in Ukraine - 7NEWS", "Australian man dies fighting the Russian invasion in Ukraine", "First Dutch volunteer killed on battlefield in Ukraine", "Guerre en Ukraine: Mort au combat "en hros", "Sask. Together we defeated Hitler, and we will defeat Putin, too. Most were veterans of the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), and were primarily of Ukrainian, Russian, or other former USSR roots, but not exclusively so, with recruits of Druze Israeli and American-Israeli backgrounds also noted. "And if people come back who received [Estonian] citizenship via naturalization, then they may be stripped of their citizenship.". [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. 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 . [266] He was detained upon his return to the UK on 21 March. [139], On 4 March 2022, Colombian newspaper El Espectador reported that at least 50 former Colombian soldiers will join the International Legion in Ukraine. Ukraine declared martial law, and all adult men, 18-60, have been ordered to stay in the country. See the Embassy's website for additional information). There are several formal conditions that must be met in order to issue a permit. Here's what to do. German law does not forbid its citizens to enlist in the International Legion. The fightforua.org website contains detailed step-by-step instructions on how to join the just fight against . [220], The Government of Ukraine stated on 4 March 2022 that "some Portuguese" were already fighting in the International Legion of Territorial Defence. [152][153], The Honorary Consul of Ukraine in Ecuador announced on 8 March 2022, that approximately 850 Ecuadorians had contacted the consulate and the Embassy of Ukraine in Lima attempting to volunteer with the International Legion.[154]. There are no legal barriers to Swedish citizens volunteering in another country's military. [116][117] Concerns were raised about the personal backgrounds and political profile of some of the Belgian volunteers. 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. Prospects and Possibilities", "Balkan Fighters Risk Criminal Charges for Joining Ukraine's Defence", "Cetenii RM se pot nscrie n Legiunea Internaional anunat de Zelenski pentru a lupta n Ucraina? [251], On 2 November, a 25-year-old Taiwanese indigenous veteran Tseng, Sheng-guang (Chinese: ) serving in Carpathian Sich Battalion, was reported as the first East Asian soldier killed in action in the war,[252][253] after covering 3 colleagues to retreat under a tank siege during the eastern Ukraine campaign in Luhansk Oblast. Israeli law has a provision forbidding citizens from joining a foreign military, with a potential punishment of up to three years in prison. 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. [61], The 1937 Foreign Enlistment Act, enacted during the Spanish Civil War, prohibits Canadians from joining a foreign volunteer force against Canada's allies. [108] It is not part of the International Legion in order to preserve greater 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. [59], As of July 2022, an ex-Sri Lankan commando known as Dentist has been deployed to the field in Kharkiv. "[100], Over 2,000 pro-democracy activists in Thailand have attempted to sign up to join the International Legion. In March 2022, Ministry of the Interior spokesman Harald Srs confirmed that the government intends to prosecute any violators of the law. The parliamentary groups of Estonia's Riigikogu are currently debating whether to allow Estonian citizens to volunteer to fight for Ukraine. [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. [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. Foreign nationals who have legally resided in Ukraine for at least five years are also welcomed. Iron Navy has been active in Ukraine since the Russian invasion in February 2022 . Statement from the International Legion regarding media enquires and interview requests. [228][229] The Ukrainian Embassy declined to verify the number of South Korean volunteer soldiers who have departed for Ukraine, citing "security reasons". Indonesian citizens who enlist in a foreign military without permission from the president will lose their citizenship. Japan discourages its citizens from enlisting and the legality of Japanese citizens enlisting is unclear under Japanese law. Thailand discourages its citizens from enlisting. Ukrainians are returning to their country, answering the call to come and fight. These two examples closely parallel the situation in Ukraine. [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. [89], It was reported that 36 Senegalese nationals attempted to volunteer at the Ukrainian embassy in Dakar. VALENTYNA ROMANENKO MONDAY, 11 JULY 2022, 16:17. "If these are people who are residing in Estonia on the basis of a visa or residence permit, then they simply cannot come back here again," Lauri explained. It is illegal for Austrian citizens to enlist in the International Legion under Austrian law. [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. man killed defending Ukrainian city from Russian forces, family says", "Guerre en Ukraine. 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). [34], On 7 March 2022, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba stated that more than 20,000 volunteers from 52 countries have volunteered to fight for Ukraine. Adverts have seemingly . Australia discourages its citizens from enlisting and the legality of volunteering under Australian law is unclear. "[99][243], Due to the lack of formal diplomatic relations between Ukraine and Taiwan, no diplomatic missions were established in either side. [44], In early March 2022, the Algerian government called on Ukraine to not enlist fighters from their country. [194], On 11 August, Russian Defense Ministry reports claim that nine Japanese nationals are in the legion while one left Ukraine. 2 min read. The contemporary French Foreign Legion requires a 5-year commitment. Unofficially part of Ukrainian Foreign Legion. Some volunteers cited Ukraine's quickness to recognize Croatia's independence in 1991 as a causus belli to join Ukraine. [147] The Ministry of Defence has already reported its first applicants. If you wish to join them you can contact Ukrainian embassies and tell them you want to fight. "The president officially invited mercenaries and anyone that wants to come,. Polish citizens who want to enlist in the International Legion, or any other foreign army, must receive the approval of the Polish Minister of National Defense. Le sulfureux casting belge de la Lgion ukrainienne", "Russisch ministerie van Defensie: 'Twee Belgische strijders omgekomen in Oekrane', "Guerre en Ukraine: qui est Artem Dymyd, l'un des deux Belges tus Donetsk? [54], On May 2, 2022, there were reports of Afghan refugees with combat experience in the now disbanded Afghan special forces volunteering to fight with assistance from fellow Afghans who can speak Ukrainian and have settled in Ukraine permanently. 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. [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. [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. "The Foreign Ministry's travel bulletin recommends leaving Ukraine immediately. Austrian constitutional and administrative lawyer Heinz Mayer argued enforcement of the law could leave Austrians who attempt to join the International Legion or provide humanitarian assistance stateless. A building burns after shelling in Kyiv, Ukraine, Thursday . [107] The battalion eventually grew to a regiment of over 1000 volunteers. , International Legion of Territorial Defense of Ukraine, people of Ukrainian descent living in Brazil, second-largest population of the Ukrainian diaspora, Chilean national police force(Carabiniers of Chile), protesting against the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, primarily of Ukrainian, Russian, or other former USSR roots, Department of International Relations and Cooperation, diplomatic relations between Ukraine and Taiwan, Russian missiles struck Yavoriv military base, Foreign fighters in the Russo-Ukrainian War, "Ukraine says 20,000 volunteers from 52 countries sign up to fight", "Ukraine crisis: 20,000 foreign volunteers in Ukraine to fight Russians, says foreign minister", "Returning Soldiers Reveal the Dark Side of Life in the Ukrainian Foreign Legion", "Lessons from Finland for Ukraine and its Foreign Legion", "Leaning on Legionnaires: Why Modern States Recruit Foreign Soldiers", "Ukraine war: Meet the Georgian Legion joining the fight against Russia's invasion", "Liz Truss backs Brits who want to fight Russia in Ukraine's 'international legion', "Ukraine's Foreign Legion Is Ready for Battle", "Ukraine creates foreign legion as volunteers from abroad join the fight", "Foreign Fighters Are Rushing to Join Ukraine's New International Battalion", "Ukraine's Foreign Legion: 12 important points", "Foreign fighters struggle for legal status in Ukraine", "Georgian volunteers in Ukraine war quit military unit after 'provocations', "First pictures of the Batallion n.a. [241], The first photo distributed by Ukraine of the International Legion reportedly showed Swedish volunteers.[37]. [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. Sniper unit former Ranger force COE. Abravitova told the Cape Town Press Club, on 11 March, that anyone who wanted to join Ukraine's fight against Russia was welcome. 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. And security of "sources and methods" is always a concern. 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. This page was last edited on 3 March 2023, at 21:11. Sebastiaan Faber of Oberlin College in the US argued that depicting the Legion as part of a war between fascism and anti-fascism risks playing "into the Kremlin's narrative, which seeks to portray the "special military operation" as an effort to "denazify" its western neighbor." Under the Act, such an activity is punishable by imprisonment of up to five years.