First Ukrainian Legion Unit Departs from Poland for Advanced Military Training in Ukraine

The first unit of the Ukrainian Legion, being trained in Poland, departed for Ukraine to continue military training, Ukrainian media Radio Svoboda reported citing Ukrainian Ambassador to Poland Vasyl Bodnar on December 23.

The diplomat revealed that the next group of volunteers will sign contracts with Ukraine’s Armed Forces on January 10, 2025, and then begin preparation at a training ground in Poland.

“This is truly a success story, although some politicians or Russian propaganda try to portray it negatively. Of course, we would like the process to move faster, but it’s progressing as it should. We are working to make this initiative widely known in all EU countries, and possibly beyond,” Bodnar said.

The formation of the unit is entirely voluntary, the ambassador emphasized. Recruitment relies on voluntary encouragement, and Bodnar expressed confidence that participants “will find satisfaction in receiving high-quality training.”

While the first volunteers’ training will continue at Ukrainian military bases, the ambassador declined to disclose their number.

Earlier, Bodnar reported more than 1,000 individuals submitted applications to join the Ukrainian Legion in Poland.