Critics have also highlighted differences in the makeup of the two international units: Volunteers to Spain generally lacked military experience, while those to Ukraine tend to have prior military experience. These persons also would not face criminal prosecution. [123][124] Thalita do Valle, a female model and ex-Kurdish Pershmerga volunteer was killed in Kharkiv on June 30 during an attack on a Ukrainian bunker,[125][126] which also resulted in the death of Douglas Brigo when he tried to look for her since she didn't evacuate from the bunker in time. Adverts have seemingly . "[223], On 3 March 2022, Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov warned that foreign fighters would be treated as unlawful combatants entitled to no protection under the Geneva Conventions, meaning captured foreign fighters will not be given prisoner of war status and will be prosecuted as mercenaries. [19] According to Rkawek, the formation of the International Legion was "an attempt to internationalize the conflict via mobilization of Western individuals for the Ukrainian cause. Additionally, Dutch military code bars active Dutch soldiers from joining a foreign army and Dutch law bars civilians from enlisting in an enemy army in a war in which the Netherlands participates. The Defense Ministry said on March 5 that more than 66,000 men had returned from abroad to join the fight. [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. This is a huge loss for all of us. Due to Georgia already having had military conflicts with Russia in the 1992 Abkhazian War and 2008 War, many Georgians sympathized with Ukrainians and therefore went to help. [7][8] Kuleba promoted the unit on Twitter, inviting individuals to apply and stating that "together we defeated Hitler, and we will defeat Putin too. [61], The 1937 Foreign Enlistment Act, enacted during the Spanish Civil War, prohibits Canadians from joining a foreign volunteer force against Canada's allies. "[9] On 7 March, the Ukrainian Armed Forces released the first image of International Legion soldiers in trenches on the outskirts of Kyiv and announced that new groups were being deployed to the front each day. [37], In late February 2022, The Star reported that two Malaysians joined the Territorial Defense Army in Kyiv. [143], On 27 February 2022, Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovi commented on news of the possible departure of Croatian volunteers to Ukraine after the announcement of the formation of the International Legion, saying "Every departure to Ukraine is an act of individuals and they take personal responsibility". [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. Firm figures are hard to come by, but in early March the Ukrainian Defense Ministry estimated that 20,000 people had volunteered to join its foreign forces, hastily created three days after the . How to join the International Battalion. for foreign nationals to join the International Legion. Earlier, about 70 volunteers were going to Ukraine, of which about 50 were former servicemen of the Japan Self-Defense Forces. 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 . Zgin w obronie Ukrainy", " ", "Wsparcie dzieci i rodzin polegych polskich ochotnikw na Ukrainie | zrzutka.pl", "Muri el primer colombiano en el frente de guerra en Ucrania, quin era? [88], On 3 March, Senegal's foreign ministry condemned a social media post by the country's Ukrainian embassy calling for volunteers as illegal under Senegalese law. [37], On August 15, 2022, three captured British citizens, two International Legion volunteers and an aid worker, pleaded not guilty to charges of fighting as mercenaries in a court in the Donetsk People's Republic. 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. [1], Recruits with past military experience have described the legion as insufficiently officered, leading to unnecessary casualties. ", "International Brigades for Ukraine? The Representative Office of Poland in Taipei suggested that the Taiwanese volunteers first need to travel to Poland, and enlist with the Ukrainian Embassy in Warsaw, but the Polish Office in Taipei declined to comment when the press tried to verify, neither confirm nor deny that such information is held. [55] It has been reported that an unknown number of Nigerians wish to join the legion in 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). Confirms American Volunteer Killed Fighting in Ukraine", "Dane Partridge, U.S. Volunteer, Killed by Shrapnel While Fighting Russians", "American Who Snuck Out of Dad's House to Fight Putin Is Dead", "American who became a hero of the Russian-Ukrainian war: Paul Kim by the call sign Kilo", "Timothy Griffin of New York state is killed fighting Russians in Ukraine", "US Army veteran killed fighting on Ukraine's southern front", "Charkw: Poegnanie polskiego Kozaka i jego towarzyszy. Moldova discourages its citizens from enlisting into the legion. [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. TVN a Chilean public service broadcaster made an interview with one of the volunteers. According to a report by Helsingin Sanomat, the Finnish Defence Forces do not recommend or advise Finns to apply to fight for a foreign cause. [191], On 16 March, CNN Turkey reported that three Japanese nationals with military experience were allowed to enter Ukraine. [31][32], It has been reported that initial training and selection of volunteers had led to "uneven" performance and that the initial intake had already been dismissed by the Ukrainian authorities, with one anonymous Ukrainian general stating "we should only take experienced combat veterans that is the lesson that we are learning the others don't know what they are getting themselves into and when they find out, they want to go home". [240] The report also mentioned that 13 South Koreans are working in the legion. About 50 people managed to enter Ukraine by crossing the Sarpi customs point. [109], On 30 March 2022, it was reported that more Belarusian volunteers will be assigned to another volunteer unit called the Pahonia Regiment. Georgians and Ukrainians have a history of sending volunteers to each other's countries during times of conflict or helping each other in political and humanitarian matters during the aforementioned wars. The gratitude video prompted strong criticism from the Chinese and Hong Kong governments. Foreigners willing to defend Ukraine and world order as part of the International Legion of Territorial Defense of Ukraine, I invite you to contact foreign diplomatic missions of Ukraine in your respective countries. [272] Ex-Army reservist and dual Ukrainian-British national Viktor Yatsunyk was killed by a landmine in Izium. The instructor (standing center left) is U.S. Army veteran John Roberts from Newport Beach, California, who has been teaching through the International Legion of Defense of Ukraine since May 2022. It is illegal for Vietnamese citizens to enlist in the International Legion. [296] As many as 1,000 foreign fighters had been training at the base as part of the Ukrainian Foreign Legion. RUSSIA . [29] The necessary probation period is the duration of the war. Mostly Chechen, many of whom fought in the, The battalion was created in honor of one of the leaders of the. 6 were here. of Defence of Ukraine. Japan discourages its citizens from enlisting and the legality of Japanese citizens enlisting is unclear under Japanese law. The new body would be open to "foreigners willing to defend Ukraine and [the] world order" from Russian attacks, said Kuleba. [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. "The Foreign Ministry's travel bulletin recommends leaving Ukraine immediately. [197], Kosovar law bars participation in foreign armed groups. [202], The first photo distributed by Ukraine of the International Legion reportedly showed Mexican volunteers. Grasmeder argues states are likely to recruit foreign volunteers when fighting wars of "national survival" against another state attempting to annex their territory. [30], A British volunteer said that the contract required to join the International Legion limits pay to 7,000 a month (US$230) and extends for the duration of the war, although some volunteers were allowed to leave after signing. 7 min read. She responded "We are a neutral country and we will act in the light of neutrality. [145], The Embassy of Ukraine in Havana attempted to recruit for the International Legion in March 2022. However the Ukrainian embassy in Bangkok did not confirm how many had successfully volunteered for the International Legion. Ukraine declared martial law, and all adult men, 18-60, have been ordered to stay in the country. [37], On February 1, 2023, an Uruguayan volunteer codenamed Teddy was reported to be fighting in Ukraine since February 24, 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. It is illegal for Senegalese citizens to enlist in the International Legion under Senegalese law. [150], On 7 April, an anonymous Danish volunteer soldier claimed to have killed 100 Russian soldiers during various operations. [112] At least two members of the Belgian Land Component disobeyed orders to enlist with the International Legion. [231], Damien Magrou reported to South Korean media on 28 March that South Korean volunteers are already deployed and fighting Russian troops. 7 steps. Join the brave! [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. She added that anyone who has gone to fight who commits war crimes will likewise face punishment. The International Legion of Territorial Defence of Ukraine, or the Ukrainian Foreign Legion, is a foreign military unit of the Territorial Defense Forces of 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.In establishing the force, Ukraine joined more than 90 other . This is not applicable if the State of Israel has an agreement with the foreign country in question. Volunteer fighters arrive in Ukraine. "[19], Many commentators have compared the International Legion to the International Brigades of the Spanish Civil War,[20][21][22] which comprised foreign volunteers who supported the Second Spanish Republic against the Nationalist faction led by fascist general Francisco Franco that sought to overthrow the Republic. Write an application for enlistment. [177], Ukrainian initiatives to recruit Israelis began on 26 February in tandem with thousands of Israelis protesting against the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine. [217], Serbian law bars its nationals from participation in foreign conflicts. Long commitments were the norm during the Spanish Civil War for the International Brigades (See Orwell, Homage to Catalonia). "EKSKLUZIVNO Prvi hrvatski dragovoljci stigli do napadnute zemlje: "Pogledajte trenutak kada je hrvatski vojni atae odbio prosvjednu notu ruskog ministarstva: 'Jako su se iznenadili', "As pueden los cubanos unirse como voluntarios a las fuerzas de defensa de Ucrania", "Zeman se stav pzniv k vjimce, aby mohli ei bojovat na Ukrajin", "Prvn ei se hls o monost bojovat na Ukrajin. Before being deleted, the video featured the national flags of the home countries of the volunteers, including the Black Bauhinia flag of Hong Kong. In early March, 35 people contacted the Ukrainian Embassy in Bern to join the international legion, according to Radio Tlvision Suisse. [122], As of July 6, three Brazilian volunteers were killed fighting in Ukraine. [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. On 1 March, a new batch of volunteers was to fly to Ukraine but the Georgian government canceled their flight. [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. The Latest in a Long Line: Ukraine's International Legion and a History of Foreign Fighters. According to her, there are other compatriots who also intend to fight in the service of Ukraine. "[189], As of 2 March 2022, 70 Japanese men have applied to be volunteers of the volunteer foreign legion. Together we defeated Hitler, and we will defeat Putin, too. Members of Ukraine's Territorial Defense Forces, volunteer military units of the Armed Forces, train close to Kyiv, Ukraine, Saturday, Feb. 5, 2022. [55], On 13 March 2022, the Ukrainian embassy in Buenos Aires posted on its social media to recruit Argentinian citizens who wanted to join the International Legion. , 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. 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. On Sunday, he appealed to international volunteers to join Ukraine's International Legion of Territorial Defense . [184], On March 2, 2022, the Ukraine Consulate in Milan posted on Facebook inviting Italians to join the International Legion, but the post was later deleted. Finland discourages its citizens from enlisting. [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. [57], On 9 March 2022, Euroradio.fm reported that Belarusians in Ukraine had formed the Kastu Kalinoski Battalion with 200 volunteers, named after Kastu Kalinoski. In March 2022, Ministry of the Interior spokesman Harald Srs confirmed that the government intends to prosecute any violators of the law. Undated video published by 3rd Assault showed AFU tanks moving to attack and RF-held buildings under heavy autocannon fire from infantry combat vehicles. ", "Guerre en Ukraine: est-ce que des Belges peuvent aller combattre? [134], Since early March 2022 there have been reports of volunteers trying to join the International Legion in Ukraine. Noman elebicihan posted", "Who Are the Americans Who Went to Fight in Ukraine? Receive . This was reported by the Office of the President of Ukraine.. These men and women are so brave and provide a huge service to the Ukranian army with their . 03. Under the Act, such an activity is punishable by imprisonment of up to five years. [273] Simon Lingard died of shrapnel wounds after his unit came under attack from Russian forces. Kacper Rkawek, a researcher on foreign fighters in Ukraine, believes the majority of Western fighters prior to the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine passed through the Georgian Legion. Zeman to nebude blokovat Seznam Zprvy", "600 Czechs volunteered to fight for Ukraine", "Ukraines ambassadr: Flere end 100 danskere er allerede i kamp mod Rusland ved fronten", "Dansk finskytte hvder at have drbt tt p 100 russere i Ukraine - TV 2", "Udenrigsministeriet: 25-rig dansker anses for drbt i Ukraine", "Tantholdt: 25-rig dansker drbt i Ukraine - liget er i russisk varetgt", "Ecuatorianos quieren ir a Ucrania para defenderlo", "Parliamentary groups debate allowing Estonian citizens to fight in Ukraine", "Daily: First Estonian volunteer awarded Ukraine's Order for Courage", "French volunteers plan to head to Ukraine to join its new foreign legion", "France stops foreign legionnaires heading toward Ukraine", "14 Foreign Legion soldiers stopped in Paris on way to Ukraine", "French Foreign Legion troops desert to join fighting in Ukraine", "Adrien Dugay-Leyoudec, second French fighter killed in Ukraine, went to defend a 'just cause', "Bundespolizei will Rechtsextremisten an Ausreise in den Krieg hindern", "Part of Georgian volunteers group have arrived in Ukraine", "Georgian ex-defence minister joins Ukraine fight and helps capture Russian tank", "Greeks call the Ukrainian embassy asking to fight against Russia", "The World Keeps Getting the Hong Kong Flag and Anthem Wrong", "Ukraine under fire for black HK flag blunder", "Ukraine invasion: Britons 'willing to die' to defeat Putin's army as volunteers prepare to travel to fight Russian invasion", "India flags Ukrainian embassy tweet; post deleted", "Probe on to find details of Coimbatore student who 'joined' Ukraine paramilitary group", "Student, fighting against Russian forces, willing to return from Ukraine: Family sources", "Indian Among 'Foreign Volunteers' Fighting Against Russian Invasion, Claims Ukraine", "The foreign fighters joining the war in Ukraine", "Irish people 'arrive in Ukraine to fight with Foreign Legion", "Ukraine Embassy begins recruiting Israelis to fight Russian invasion", "Israeli Dmitry Fialka died in the battles for Ukraine", "Israeli youth soccer coach killed fighting Russians in Ukraine war", "I foreign fighters in Ucraina: il caso italiano", Institute for International Political Studies, "Expelled from the air force after complaints of hazing, Giulia Schiff enlisted in Ukraine", "Italian female pilot joins Ukraine mission despite legal case", "Italian dies in combat in Ukraine - English", "Volunteers flock to fight for Ukraine in pacifist Japan", " ", "9 | TBS News Dig", "Latvia allows its citizens to fight in Ukraine", "Saeima moves to let Latvians fight for Ukraine without fear of prosecution", "Latvian member of parliament joins foreign fighters in Ukraine", "Hay soldados mexicanos en Ucrania: la foto que lo demuestra", "Dozens of Moldovan citizens are fighting in Ukraine against the Russian Federation", "Uruguayan soldier says he fights in Ukraine to "get value" out of his military experience", "VIDEO/ Un grup de moldoveni care lupt n Ucraina, mesaj ctre participanii la protestele Partidului or: "Uitai-v atent ce se petrece aici i dai-v seama ce se va petrece n R. Moldova, dac o s susinei aceste proteste. [174], Sky News reported in early March 2022 that at least one Iranian had traveled to Ukraine to join the International Legion. In a tweet, the minister said: 'Foreigners willing to defend Ukraine and world order as part of the International Legion of Territorial Defense of Ukraine, I invite you to contract foreign . 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. [112] However, Time reported on 7 March 2022 that Belgium was dissuading its veterans from joining the International Legion. Become a hero.Use your military experience to fight against evil. Contact the Embassy of Ukraine in your country with the intention to join the International Legion of Territorial Defense of Ukraine (reach out to a military attache or consul: contact details are available on the website of our embassies): You can apply in three ways: 1) come to the embassy in person; 2) call the embassy; 3) send an e .