Ukrainian parliament approves draft law allowing foreigners to join military as contractors

On September 17, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine adopted draft law No. 12023, which provides amendments to the military service procedure under contract for foreigners and stateless persons.

People's deputies Yaroslav Zhelezniak, Iryna Herashchenko, and Oleksii Honcharenko reported this.

278 parliamentarians supported Bill No. 12023. The document's main purpose is to ensure the broader involvement of foreigners in the ranks of Ukraine's armed forces, the National Guard, and the State Special Transport Service, including the possibility of appointing foreigners to officer positions.

The main provisions of the draft law

The draft law creates special recruiting centers for foreigners, where candidates for service will be thoroughly checked. The procedure includes several essential aspects:

• Checking the legality of foreigners' stay on the Ukraine territory.
• Assessment of the candidate's administrative and criminal liability in accordance with Ukrainian legislation.
• Analysis of possible connections with intelligence and subversive activities of foreign states against Ukraine.
• Other circumstances that may prevent the admission of foreigners to military service.
• After successfully passing the check, foreigners and stateless persons can sign a contract for service in the armed forces, the National Guard, or the State Special Transport Service.

The draft law also gives them the opportunity to hold not only rank-and-file positions but also officer positions, which is an innovation for the Ukrainian military system.

This was confirmed by People's Deputy Honcharenko, who stated that the main idea of ​​the initiative is to expand the possibilities of attracting foreigners to military service in Ukraine. They will participate in military operations as soldiers, sergeants, and officers.

However, not all deputies are equally positive about the draft law in its current form. Parliamentarian Herashchenko warned about the need for a serious revision.

Her faction proposes to introduce amendments relating to the increased verification of foreigners, especially those applying for officer positions. Herashchenko emphasized that the "EU" faction insists on more thorough control to avoid possible threats to Ukraine's security.

In the end, the final text of the law will probably be revised to account for all the caveats and guarantee the efficiency and safety of accepting foreigners for military service in Ukraine.

For reference:

It is essential to mention that in February 2022, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky spoke to all citizens from foreign countries who are friends of Ukraine.

All those who wish to help uphold security in Europe and the rest of the world are welcome to join and stand alongside Ukrainians against the invaders of the 21st century.

According to the Regulations on military service in Ukraine's armed forces by foreigners and stateless persons, approved by the decree of the President of Ukraine No. 248 of June 10, 2016, foreigners have the right to join the Ukrainian army for military service under a contract voluntarily, including in the ranks of the Territorial Defense Forces of Ukraine's armed forces.

Subsequently, a separate unit was formed from foreigners – the International Legion of Territorial Defense of Ukraine.

In addition, a website has been launched that contains all the necessary information for citizens of foreign countries who want to join the International Defense Legion of Ukraine.

Additionally, in June of 2024, Ukrainian intelligence announced streamlining their military intelligence services for foreign individuals.