Over 1,000 Applications Submitted to Join Ukrainian Legion in Poland

More than 1,000 individuals have submitted applications to join the Ukrainian Legion in Poland, Ukrainian Ambassador to Poland Vasyl Bodnar confirmed in an interview with Suspilne on December 22.

The formation of the Ukrainian Legion, a volunteer military unit, began in November. The first contracts with the Ukrainian Armed Forces have been signed, and the next recruitment phase is scheduled for early January.

According to Bodnar, the initiative is supported by Poland, which provides basic military training for recruits. Depending on their specialization, recruits proceed to advanced training at dedicated facilities. Once training is complete, members of the legion are integrated into military units operating in Ukraine, where they fall under direct command.

“Poland is a country offering significant support to Ukraine, recognizing the strategic importance of this cooperation for itself and Europe as a whole,” Bodnar said.

The Ukrainian Legion was officially launched in July as a collaborative effort between Ukraine and Poland to strengthen Ukraine’s military capabilities. The first recruitment center opened in October at the Ukrainian consulate in Lublin, located in eastern Poland. The unit primarily consists of Ukrainian men residing in Poland, trained by the Polish Armed Forces.

Bodnar emphasized that the creation of the Ukrainian Legion reflects the high-level agreements between the two countries and Poland’s commitment to equipping recruits with proper training, resources, and logistical support.

Earlier in November, more than 500 applications were submitted to the Ukrainian Legion in Poland from citizens in 30 different countries, according to Ukrinform. The recruitment center in Lublin, which began operations in early October, reported strong interest, particularly from Ukrainians in Poland and the Czech Republic, as well as applicants from countries like the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States.

While most applicants are men under 25, a significant number of women have also applied, showing interest in roles ranging from medical positions to combat roles.