[186][187], On September 20, 2022, Benjamin Giorgio Galli, an Italian volunteer was killed in combat against Russian troops. The United States Department of State issued a travel advisory formally advising all Americans not to travel to Ukraine. Ukraine forms 'international brigade' of foreign volunteers to fight [106], Austrian law stipulates any citizen who enters into the military services of a foreign country has their citizenship revoked. [61], The 1937 Foreign Enlistment Act, enacted during the Spanish Civil War, prohibits Canadians from joining a foreign volunteer force against Canada's allies. [238] The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency is in the process of adding his name to a no-fly list. The Czech Republic allows its citizens to enlist in the International Legion after receiving permission from the Czech president. [228][229] The Ukrainian Embassy declined to verify the number of South Korean volunteer soldiers who have departed for Ukraine, citing "security reasons". Returning Soldiers Reveal the Dark Side of Life in the Ukrainian - Vice man killed defending Ukrainian city from Russian forces, family says", "Guerre en Ukraine. ", "Meet the Foreign Volunteers Risking Their Lives to Defend Ukraineand Europe", "Volunteers from Belgium sign up for Ukraine's foreign legion", "Sign Me Up for Ukraine Fight: Not So Fast, Say SE Asia Govts", "Canadian troops ordered to stay away as foreign fighters flock to Ukraine", "Foreign Fighters In Ukraine: Is It Legal? It is illegal for Montenegrin citizens to enlist in the International Legion under Montenegrin law. [209] On September 20, 2022, it was reported that another Dutch volunteer was killed in Kharkiv. [362], 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 and the Office of the President of Ukraine, but received no proper answer.[362]. 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. [138] Later in March various Chilean media spread the story of Luis Lagos, a former member of the Chilean national police force(Carabiniers of Chile) who joined the forces of Ukraine. 02.Sep.2022 9:00 AM . This is a huge loss for all of us. What foreign volunteers need to know to fight for Ukraine [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. [185], Giulia Schiff, an ex-Italian Air Force pilot, was reported to be in Kyiv after she enlisted with the legion's special forces unit. Yes, I think that is a long-term commitment is the probable. On 7 March 2022, the Ukrainian Embassy in Seoul reported it had received some 100 applications from South Korean volunteers. Arrive at the Embassy with documents for an interview with the Defense Attach and settlement of visa issues with the Consul. 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. The National Post reported that at least one South African national was recruited into the Norman Brigade. [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. Georgians have supported Ukraine since the start of the Russo-Ukrainian conflicts. [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. Algeria discourages its citizens from enlisting. Prompted by Russias attack against Ukraine Penal Codes have been amended to ensure an appropriate punishment for any person who takes part in aggression. They left for Ukraine on February 28. Brendan Hoffman for CNN Unofficially part of Ukrainian Foreign Legion. According to the Ukrainian embassy's national coordinator for the International Legion, Gert Snitselaar, 40 volunteers have departed the Netherlands for Ukraine. Ukraine creates international legion recruiting foreigners to fight Americans Contact Ukraine's Embassy to Fight Against Russia: Official 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. Operations use small groups, who go into and out of enemy territory clandestinely through jungle routes and seek their targets. Ukraine is creating an international territorial defense legion consisting of foreigners who want to join the resistance to Russian occupiers and protect world security, the Ukrainian President's Office has said. Norwegian citizens can legally enlist in the International Legion under Norwegian law. [103] On 22 March, it was reported that an unknown number of Argentinians have signed up to join. 04 March 2022. [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. [27] Most of the volunteers who reached Lviv and applied were accepted. [211], The New Zealand Herald reported on an ex-British Army/New Zealand Army veteran (and PR citizen) recruited to the legion, though the unnamed veteran said that he will use his British passport to travel. Under the Act, such an activity is punishable by imprisonment of up to five years. International Legion of Defense of Ukraine: how to join What Foreign Volunteers Need To Know To Fight For Ukraine - Coffee or Die Thousands of Americans Reportedly Join Ukraine's Fight - Newsweek [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. 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. 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. [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. Status of Foreign Fighters in the Ukrainian Legion [23], Other commentators have criticized this comparison. Canada allows its citizens to enlist in the International Legion, however Canadian law may technically bar joining a military at war with a "friendly state". [217], Serbian law bars its nationals from participation in foreign conflicts. 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. Receive . Andr Hack Bahi was killed on June 4 while helping fellow volunteers escape during fighting in the Luhansk region. The Defense Ministry said on March 5 that more than 66,000 men had returned from abroad to join the fight. The gratitude video prompted strong criticism from the Chinese and Hong Kong governments. [4] In establishing the force, Ukraine joined more than 90 other nations that have recruited legionnaires and raised foreign legions over the past two centuries.[5]. Ukraine Creates Foreign Legion as Volunteers From Abroad Join the Fight "We don't need any more people without military experience. 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. Band of others: Ukraine's legions of foreign soldiers are on the [37] Length and Terms of Contract -- International Legion for the In Ukrainian publics, a video is distributed, on Heroes who decided to protect Ukraine. New Zealand discourages its citizens from enlisting. [112] However, Time reported on 7 March 2022 that Belgium was dissuading its veterans from joining the International Legion. "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. Nu-mi nchipui cum ar fi s nu ai niciun ajutor", "Russia-Ukraine war: Kyiv invites Algerian fighters to Ukraine to 'protect world security', "Portparol Meunarodne legije u Ukrajini: Ovde Hrvati i Srbi ratuju rame uz rame", "S'pore citizens' duty is to S'pore: Vivian Balakrishnan on whether S'poreans can fight in Ukraine for Ukrainians", "Embassy: Some 100 S. Koreans Have Volunteered to Fight in Ukraine", "Navy SEAL-turned-YouTuber claims he left for Ukraine to participate in war as volunteer", "Rhee Keun-led team goes to Ukraine to fight against invader", "(LEAD) S. Korean volunteers deployed to front-line units in Ukraine: official", "Koreans in Ukraine end up on front lines", Ken Rhee gives an update of his whereabouts in Ukraine through Instagram, "Injured Ken Rhee expected back in Korea soon", "Injured South Korean fighter back from Ukraine faces investigation", ", ' ' 625 " "()", "S. Korea verifying Russia's data on deaths of 4 volunteer fighters in Ukraine", "678 frivilliga svenskar strider i Ukraina", "Indigenous Taiwanese man volunteers for Ukrainian Foreign Legion", "Taiwanese man denied entry into Ukrainian Foreign Legion - Focus Taiwan", "Taiwanese man takes up arms to defend adopted homeland Ukraine - Focus Taiwan", "2nd Taiwanese enlists in Ukrainian foreign legion", "Taiwanese man now fighting for Ukraine's foreign legion", "Wary of China threat, Taiwanese join Ukraine's fight against Russia", "Death of Taiwanese soldier exposes Kyiv's China dilemma", "Hualien man becomes 1st Taiwanese combatant to die in Ukraine war", "No Thai military volunteers in Ukraine, says charge d'affaires", "Savan iindeki ailesini kurtarmak iin Ukrayna ordusuna gnll yazlan Trk: Silahm alarak ordudan karttlar, 'Trkiye hkmeti, Trk milis almayn talebi iletti' dediler", "UK's Liz Truss: I support Brits who take up arms against Putin", "No 10 distances itself from Truss comments on UK volunteers for Ukraine", "Liz Truss criticised for backing Britons who wish to fight in Ukraine", "British volunteers who travel to fight in Ukraine could violate terror laws", "Zelensky's call for volunteers to defend Ukraine heeded by thousands from abroad", "Britons heed Zelensky's call to arms and head to Ukraine", "Don't fight in Ukraine military boss tells Britons", "Serving Coldstream Guard leaves Windsor barracks to fight Russian forces", "British soldier arrested after unauthorized trip to join Ukraine's foreign legion", "Ukraine war: Britons held by rebels in Ukraine plead not guilty", "Britons held by Russian forces in Ukraine released", "Ukraine conflict: British man Scott Sibley killed by mortar fire - inquest", "Ukraine war: Former British soldier Jordan Gatley killed in fighting", "Ukraine war: Briton killed while volunteering in Ukraine, says sister", "Ukraine war: Briton Simon Lingard killed in conflict", "Two British aid workers were killed during Ukraine evacuation", "Americans discouraged from going to Ukraine to fight Russia", "Ukraine says 3,000 Americans have volunteered to fight Russian invaders", "Ukrainian embassy draws US citizens seeking to fight in war", "Un venezolano se uni a la resistencia ucraniana para defender Kiev", "Jos David Chaparro, es el 'comandante' venezolano de una pequea divisin de voluntarios en Ucrania (Fotos y Video)", "Un diputado y 3 exmilitares se unen a la defensa de Ucrania: "No me puedo sentar en casa", "Ukraine's foreign legion joins the battle against Russia", Rhee Ken remains in Ukraine after team passed into Poland, "RFK grandson Conor Kennedy reveals he secretly fought on frontline in Ukraine", "A Georgian commander fighting Russian forces in Ukraine says more international support will help defeat Putin", "MSNBC analyst Malcolm Nance reveals he joined fight in Ukraine", "Former Gazprombank executive Igor Volobuev joins the Freedom to Russia Legion within the Ukrainian Armed Forces", "The Venezuelan 'comandante' in Ukraine - la Prensa Latina Media", " ", "Russia targets Ukrainian military base near Polish border in escalation: US national security adviser says any fire on neighbour of Ukraine would trigger full-force Nato response", "The base attacked in western Ukraine has been a hub for foreign militaries", "Enthllt auch sterreicher kmpfen im Ukraine-Krieg", "Deutscher Sldner in der Ukraine: 'Da kommt keiner lebend raus', "3 Georgian volunteer fighters killed in Ukraine, says Georgia's parliament head", " ", "Georgian volunteer dies in war in Ukraine", " ", " ", "Yesterday, October 3, during the assault operation, the Kalinoski Regiment suffered losses. ", 20212022 BelarusEuropean Union border crisis, On the Historical Unity of Russians and Ukrainians, Evacuation of the Donetsk PR and Luhansk PR, Mobilization in Donetsk PR and Luhansk PR, On conducting a special military operation, international recognition of the Donetsk PR and Luhansk PR, Northeastern UkraineRussia border skirmishes, Ust-Ilimsk military commissariat shooting, Combat Organization of Anarcho-Communists, Annexation of Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk and Zaporizhzhia oblasts, Autonomous Republic of Crimea and Sevastopol, Assassination attempts on Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Mykolaiv government building missile strike, Zaporizhzhia residential building airstrike, Russian strikes against Ukrainian infrastructure, 2023 Dnipro residential building airstrike, Torture of Russian soldiers in Mala Rohan, Torture and castration of a Ukrainian POW in Pryvillia, restrictions on transit to Kaliningrad Oblast, European Union Military Assistance Mission in support of Ukraine, Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War, Destroyed Russian military equipment exhibition, Headquarters of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief, Forced confiscation law of Russian property, National Council for the Recovery of Ukraine from the War, Conmemorative Medal "Participant of a Special Military Operation", Manifesto of the South Russian People's Council, Russian Orthodox clergymen appeal against war, Danish European Union defence opt-out referendum, Proposed Russian annexation of South Ossetia, Recognition of Russia as a terrorist state, Serving heads of state and government that have visited Ukraine during the invasion, demolition of monuments to Alexander Pushkin, State Duma initiative for charging Vladimir Putin of high treason, Yermak-McFaul Expert Group on Russian Sanctions, 2023 Russian oil products sanctions and price cap, UrengoyPomaryUzhhorod pipeline explosion, And now I will show you where the attack on Belarus was prepared from, Demolition of monuments to Alexander Pushkin in Ukraine, Foreign leaders that have visited during the invasion, Proposed Russian annexation of Transnistria, Russian military presence in Transnistria, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=International_Legion_of_Territorial_Defence_of_Ukraine&oldid=1142687773, Military units and formations established in 2022, Foreign volunteer units resisting the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, Territorial defence battalions of Ukraine, Military units and formations of the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, Articles containing Ukrainian-language text, CS1 Brazilian Portuguese-language sources (pt-br), Articles with dead external links from February 2023, Articles with permanently dead external links, CS1 Chinese (Taiwan)-language sources (zh-tw), CS1 Norwegian Bokml-language sources (nb), CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown, Short description is different from Wikidata, Articles with failed verification from May 2022, Articles lacking reliable references from March 2022, All articles that may contain original research, Articles that may contain original research from May 2022, Articles with failed verification from March 2022, Articles lacking reliable references from October 2022, Articles containing traditional Chinese-language text, Articles containing Japanese-language text, Wikipedia articles in need of updating from January 2023, All Wikipedia articles in need of updating, Interlanguage link template existing link, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0. 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. [11] 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,[15] and the Tactical group "Belarus" (formed by anti-Lukashenko Belarusians). [179], By early March, it was reported that Israelis had been recruited and were heading to Ukraine. [230] On 28 March, it was reported the deserter evaded being arrested and was on his way to join the legion. [242] Among these volunteers, three people are of Swiss nationality. Those willing to enlist need to approach a local military recruitment office. 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. [82], On 4 March 2022, the Ukrainian embassy in the Hague declined to comment on the number of Dutch volunteers. Georgia discourages its citizens from enlisting. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. [70], Herv Grandjean, a spokesperson for France's Ministry for the Armed Forces, said individual volunteers could be "integrated in a body of Ukrainian volunteers" and "we cannot prevent them from leaving, (but) nor can we sanction that type of project." [250], As of 3 July, around 10 Taiwanese nationals were recruited to the legion. [55] It has been reported that an unknown number of Nigerians wish to join the legion in Ukraine. [74], However, only one 21-year-old Indian student in Kharkiv is known to have joined the Georgian National Legion in 2022. International Legion of the Territorial Defense of Ukraine - intelNews.org Volunteer fighters arrive in Ukraine. But the untrained should stay home Some volunteers cited Ukraine's quickness to recognize Croatia's independence in 1991 as a causus belli to join Ukraine. It is publicly unknown if there is an agreement with Ukraine, Israel's Foreign Ministry would not comment further. Prepare your documents and equipment according to the Embassy requirements. [89], It was reported that 36 Senegalese nationals attempted to volunteer at the Ukrainian embassy in Dakar. The Latest in a Long Line: Ukraine's International Legion and a History of Foreign Fighters. [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. [298][299], According to The Kyiv Independent, which has received informations from sources inside the Legion, the leadership of the intelligence-run wing of the International Legion is allegedly implicated in various violations, including abuse, theft, and sending soldiers unprepared on reckless missions. Danish citizens however, are not allowed to fight in an armed conflict where Denmark is a party, and one fights on the side of the enemy. TVN a Chilean public service broadcaster made an interview with one of the volunteers. [89], According to lawyers interviewed, a Japanese person who works under a foreign military to wage war against another country could potentially be charged under Article 93 of the Penal Code. [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. "[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. [44], In early March 2022, the Algerian government called on Ukraine to not enlist fighters from their country. 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? 03. Despite this two Kosovar citizens reportedly travelled to join the International Legion in early March 2022. She added that anyone who has gone to fight who commits war crimes will likewise face punishment. [171] [178], The Ukrainian Embassy focused on recruiting Israelis through its Facebook page. 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. [224], Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded a question in a press conference regarding the official stance towards any Taiwanese national who wants to join the International Legion in the war of Ukraine, stated "the government's consistent position is to call on all Taiwanese nationals to avoid traveling to Ukraine, due to the deteriorating situation in there. Territorial Defence soldiers during the Battle of Kyiv, 25 February 2022. . Chaparro's unit has helped donating food, water, commodities and fuel to civilians affected by Russian bombings. [264] UK military officials instructed regular and reserve personnel not to travel to Ukraine. [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. Thailand discourages its citizens from enlisting. Indonesian citizens who enlist in a foreign military without permission from the president will lose their citizenship. The fightforua.org website contains detailed step-by-step instructions on how to join the just fight against . The Ukrainian ambassador to Senegal was summoned and asked to take down the post. [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. 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.