Organizations who enlist for foreign armies are illegal, but there are no provisions for citizens who take part. The terms of the contract are clearly giving some people pause. [17][18], While Rkawek said that some foreign fighters that traveled to Ukraine in 2014 held extremist political beliefs and supported the Azov Battalion or the Russian separatist forces in Donbas, the foreign fighters travelling to Ukraine in early 2022 "don't appear to be motivated, as a group, by a certain set of ideological tropes. [38], 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. [94], Some Slovakian citizens have indicated they want to go fight in the International Legion, according to Minister of Defense Jaroslav Na. [29], 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. [230], 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. [26], Other commentators have criticized this comparison. [89] A group of at least 30 people in Poland who were willing to join the International Legion have reportedly organized to begin training. [42][43][bettersourceneeded][original research? "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. [208], In the Ukrainian capital, a Venezuelan man and his wife joined the International Legion to fight for the country after the Russian invasion. [11], Some foreign volunteers came to Ukraine much earlier, in 2014, to join the fight against the pro-Russian separatists as members of Ukrainian volunteer battalions that have been created after the start of the War in the Donbas. Two other sources confirmed to 1843 magazine that the contract binds volunteers to serve for an indefinite length of time. 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. On 25 March 2022, TT News Agency reported that 678 Swedes were already on the ground fighting the Russian forces in Ukraine. This regiment is separate from the regular international legion, but recruits from the force. 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. [131] Brazilian diplomats confirmed the reports on July 5. Montenegrin law criminalizes participation in foreign conflicts and those convicted face prison sentences of up to ten years. The Czech Republic allows its citizens to enlist in the International Legion after receiving permission from the Czech president. [85], On 4 March 2022, the Ukrainian embassy in the Hague declined to comment on the number of Dutch volunteers. However the Ukrainian embassy in Bangkok did not confirm how many had successfully volunteered for the International Legion. The parliamentary groups of Estonia's Riigikogu are currently debating whether to allow Estonian citizens to volunteer to fight for Ukraine. Youre fighting a real country, with a real army and heavy weaponry all conducted by a crazy man. [37], Members of the Legion, according to The Kyiv Independent, repeatedly reported this to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Ministry of Defence, the Verkhovna Rada (Ukraine's national parliament) and the Office of the President of Ukraine, but received no proper answer. 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. [177], The first photo of International Legion distributed by Ukraine reportedly showed an Indian volunteer. [82], Several members of the Kosovar diaspora in Switzerland reportedly contacted the embassy in Bern in early March 2022 to join the International Legion. 2.1K subscribers in the CounterIntel_Foreign community. Additional reporting from Wendell Steavenson in Lviv, In a damp classroom in Moscow, media students learn to fight a holy war, Two women take a terrifying road trip through violence-torn Khartoum, Self-confessed space dorks worry Twitter is distracting their hero, Published since September 1843 to take part in a severe contest between intelligence, which presses forward, and an unworthy, timid ignorance obstructing our progress.. It is illegal for Vietnamese citizens to enlist in the International Legion. [206], The first photo distributed by Ukraine of the International Legion reportedly showed Mexican volunteers. "- Georgian Radio Free reported.[168]. Back home, he began teaching skills hed learned as a soldier making tourniquets and treating wounds at a vocational school in Cardiff. TVN a Chilean public service broadcaster made an interview with one of the volunteers. "[193], As of 2 March 2022, 70 Japanese men have applied to be volunteers of the volunteer foreign legion. Untrained people are not going to be sent to the front. He said he was told that new recruits were destined for Kyiv. They receive a basic salary, equaling about $630 a month, with bonuses that can reach. It is publicly unknown if there is an agreement with Ukraine, Israel's Foreign Ministry would not comment further. Just two weeks after Zelensky asked foreigners to serve in the Ukrainian "international legion," Ukraine announced that more than 20,000 foreign volunteers from over 52 different countries had arrived. The regiment expresses its sincere condolences to the relatives", " ", " ", "American killed fighting alongside Ukrainian forces in Ukraine", "2 Americans dead in eastern Ukraine: Officials", "Exclusive: U.S. However, no indication of the number of casualties has been given. Whenever you see me on my phone, Im not on social media, he said. Im just here to shoot, he said with a grin. When asked whether the law would also be applied to Austrians providing only humanitarian assistance, Srs responded it was "a matter for the courts to decide, not the executive." It is not part of Ukraine's official International Legion. Omega Battalion: Composed by Americans, among which are several veterans from Afghanistan and Iraq and former special forces soldiers that were stationed in South Korea. (This is in addition to Step 1.) Im always asking her, Have you seen this? Among others, one cannot currently be in active military service and joining the army of a foreign country cannot violate the interests of the Republic of Poland. Before being deleted, the video featured the national flags of the home countries of the volunteers, including the Black Bauhinia flag of Hong Kong. [44] In early March, it claimed that it has recruited at least 600 people. He is certain Dutch citizens have perished during the fighting. Most of his students were young men in their late teens, who had dropped out of university and were looking for some way to improve their lives. [250] 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. [271] He was detained upon his return to the UK on 21 March. The ministry of defence spokesman denied that the contract requires volunteers to sign on indefinitely but refused to share a copy. He had been following the Russian troop manoeuvres on the Ukrainian border for months. 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. He is reporting from Ukraines western border for 1843 magazine. [234] On 28 March, it was reported the deserter evaded being arrested and was on his way to join the legion. Have you seen this? Priday didnt think that Putins build-up of troops was a bluff. People were asked not to bring their own weapons to Ukraine. Long commitments were the norm during the Spanish Civil War for the International Brigades (See Orwell, Homage to Catalonia). I had to come & do what I can do best, do what I can do to protect Ukrainian people" Freedom is a choice. They just kept reiterating that you were getting paid for your services.. [107] On 22 March, it was reported that an unknown number of Argentinians have signed up to join. [132][failed verification], On September 25, 2022, Bulgarian National Assembly candidate Ivan Kalchev has volunteered to participate with the legion in the Ukrainian counteroffensive. F oreign mercenaries are being offered $2,000 (1,512) a day to fight against Russian troops as part of the new foreign legion, according to reports. He said that, in practice, those who no longer wished to fight could apply for a discharge and were unlikely to be refused. 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? The foreign legion does now appear to be adapting. Ukraine's foreign minister said Wednesday that more than 1,000 volunteers from 16 countries were on their way, and a Ukrainian defense official told Military Times that Ukraine's Embassy in. Aiden Aslin, John Harding, Dylan Healy, Andrew Hill and Shaun Pinner all returned home to the UK. 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. Russia has stated foreign fighters (i.e. [272], The first photo distributed by Ukraine of the International Legion reportedly showed volunteers from the United Kingdom. Noman elebicihan posted", "Who Are the Americans Who Went to Fight in Ukraine? "[10] 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. All written content, illustrations, and photography . She added that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's idea was not new since France already had a foreign legion. [4], Candidates are advised to contact the Defense Attach of the Ukrainian embassy in their respective country. According to a report by Helsingin Sanomat, the Finnish Defence Forces does not recommend or advise Finns to apply to fight for a foreign cause. 1843 magazine has heard reports that a new commander has been appointed. he was selling a $11,000 motorcycle to pay for his travel to join the war in . [74], Former Georgian Defense Minister, Irakli Okruashvili with some volunteers also traveled to Ukraine and joined the call to arms to defend Ukraine against Russia. [155], On 26 April, a 25 year old was the first Dane to have been confirmed killed in combat. The Lithuanians friends had given him the sweatshirt as a going-away present. Cambodia discourages its citizens from enlisting. [242] The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency is in the process of adding his name to a no-fly list. It is illegal for Montenegrin citizens to enlist in the International Legion under Montenegrin law. He signed a decree introducing visa-free entrance to Ukraine for foreign volunteers that came into effect on March 1. . [105], On March 10, 2023, most ex-Afghan soldiers trying to volunteer to Ukraine were being turned down out of concern that Wagner may use them to undermine the legion or may be trying to enter Ukraine as a way of traveling further to Europe to escape the Taliban. [178], Sky News reported in early March 2022 that at least one Iranian had traveled to Ukraine to join the International Legion. Latvia allows its citizens to enlist in the International Legion, if the person is not serving to national guard or national army. Priday expected staff to assess the skills of the foreigners and attempt to slot them into suitable roles many volunteers had no military experience. Members of the French Foreign Legion carry the coffins of two of their comrades who were killed in an attack in . Ukraine's conflict with Russia is an interstate conflict of "national survival" against annexation, as was Finland's with the Soviet Union. ", "Canadian troops ordered to stay away as foreign fighters flock to Ukraine", "Foreign Fighters In Ukraine: Is It Legal? The Ukrainians checked everyones passports and turned away one prospective volunteer, a Russian who worked in Dublin. In a canteen the new arrivals were served a breakfast of noodles and a weird-tasting juice that smelled like gasoline. ], 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. [180], Rory Mason was the first Irish volunteer killed in the Kharkiv region in late September or early October 2022. Staff informed them that the first two days would be devoted to rudimentary map-reading and medical skills; on the third day weapons would be handed out and volunteers would practise firing them on a range; then all of them regardless of their prior experience would be dispatched to the front. "And if people come back who received [Estonian] citizenship via naturalization, then they may be stripped of their citizenship.". [185], On 1 September 2022, Israeli citizen Dmitry Fialka was killed fighting in eastern Ukraine. 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. This page was last edited on 1 May 2023, at 07:16. However, as of 10 March, only 100 were approved to join. Priday was surprised by the naivety of those eager to fight. Only . A man who said his name is Ian, who is from a town near Liverpool in the United Kingdom and is 61 years old, but who did not want to be otherwise identified, prepares to enter Ukraine to join the . They huddle over their phones, examining maps and news stories. March 20, 2022 at 1:29 p.m. EDT Foreign fighters who came to Ukraine to join a new international legion set up to fight Russian forces, seen in Kyiv on March 13. [143], On 4 March 2022, Colombian newspaper El Espectador reported that at least 50 former Colombian soldiers will join the International Legion in Ukraine. [287], Under Article 425 of the Vietnamese Criminal Code, it states that anyone who fights as a mercenary to fight against another country will be imprisoned from 5 to 15 years. They are now looking for other ways to offer assistance. [150], Citizens of the Czech Republic are allowed to join other countries' armed forces as foreign volunteers if they get an approval by the President of the Czech Republic. "[103], Over 2,000 pro-democracy activists in Thailand have attempted to sign up to join the International Legion. A Bulgarian in a black hoodie, whod drunk a number of Tyskie beers while waiting at the Cicada, sat next to Priday for the hour-long drive. ", "Guerre en Ukraine: est-ce que des Belges peuvent aller combattre? On February 26th Volodymyr Zelenksy, Ukraines president, went on television and asked foreign volunteers to take up arms in his countrys defence. [12] Other foreign volunteer battalions in the Ukrainian military included the Dzhokhar Dudayev Battalion and Sheikh Mansur Battalionboth formed by anti-Russian and anti-Ramzan Kadyrov Chechens,[16] and the Tactical group "Belarus" (formed by anti-Lukashenko Belarusians). [6], As of November 2022, volunteers from the legion were recruited from 60 countries. "[93], 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. [244], On February 23, 2023, anonymous South Korean volunteers were interviewed, including a volunteer named Kim who used to be a commando with the Republic of Korea Army Special Warfare Command and last worked under the NIS for nine years before he went to Ukraine. After he dislocated his knee the following year, he left the armed forces. fightforua.org", "Exclusive: So many Canadian fighters in Ukraine, they have their own battalion, source says", "Twee Belgische militairen zijn naar Oekrane getrokken om mee te vechten tegen Rusland", "Small number of New Zealand personnel fighting in Ukraine - former defence minister", "Kiwis 'could join Ukraine revenge mission', "Dy shqiptar po luftojn n Ukrain, thot komandanti i Legjionit t Vullnetarve t Huaj", "Former Russian Soldiers Join Ukraine Against Putin's Invasion, Kyiv Says", "Chechen and Tatar Muslims take up arms to fight for Ukraine", " : ", " ", " ", "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. Moldova discourages its citizens from enlisting into the legion. However, members of the Swedish Armed Forces who do so risk losing their jobs, as they are deemed to be better needed at home. This development would also assist in embarrassing the Western governments, who in the eyes of many Ukrainians are not doing enough to support Kyiv.