The Ukrainian parliament has passed legislation permitting foreign individuals to apply for military service in the country.
A total of 276 lawmakers voted in favor of the resolution, which is expected to bolster employment across the Armed Forces, the National Guard, and the State Special Transport Service.
In addition to foreign applicants, the law extends eligibility to “stateless persons, ” or those not recognized as citizens by any government.
Applicants will undergo background checks to verify their legal status in Ukraine, determine if they have any administrative or criminal charges under Ukrainian law, and assess their connections to foreign states opposed to Ukraine.
Once accepted, recruits will be able to sign contracts for positions across enlisted units, senior ranks, and officer roles.
Bolstering Frontline
The bill cites the need to expand military recruitment to foreigners and stateless persons as a response to the “operational situation” along Ukraine’s frontline defenses against Russian forces.
“During the 2.5 years of the war against Russian aggression, we saw many foreigners who joined the Defense Forces and proved their ability to effectively perform complex tasks on the battlefield,” Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umyerov said in a Telegram update.
“Previously, they could serve only in private and sergeant positions, but the new law strengthens the personnel potential of our army.”
“I thank the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine and the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine for their support. We continue to work together to strengthen our Defense Forces.”
Source: https://thedefensepost.com/2024/10/11/ukraine-foreign-applications-military/
Thanks to a new law in Ukraine, foreigners will be able to serve as officers in the Armed Forces, the State Special Transport Service, and the National Guard
2024-10-10 15:00:00 | ID: 72209
Foreign citizens and stateless persons were allowed to take officer roles within the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the State Special Transport Service of Ukraine, and the National Guard of Ukraine. The Verkhovna Rada has adopted the law on the matter drafted by the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine.
Before this, foreigners and stateless persons were limited to roles at the enlisted personnel and NCO levels.
“In the 2.5 years of war against russian aggression, we have seen many foreigners join the Defense Forces and prove their ability to effectively carry out complex tasks on the battlefield. Previously, they could only serve in soldier and sergeant positions, but the new law strengthens the personnel potential of our military,” commented Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov. His comment addressed the implementation of the Law “On Amendments to Certain Laws of Ukraine Regarding the Procedure for Military Service Under Contract by Foreigners and Stateless Persons in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the State Special Transport Service, and the National Guard of Ukraine.”
At recruitment centers, administrative service centers, employment centers, enlistment offices, and military units, foreigners and stateless persons will be able to put forward requests for officer roles.
Upon completing the application review, they will be directed to the Recruitment Center for the Recruitment of Foreigners and Stateless Persons.
