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Over 500 Applications Submitted to the Ukrainian Legion in Poland

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Over 500 Applications Submitted to the Ukrainian Legion in Poland
A Ukrainian sniper trains at a military training facility in Poland on April 4, 2024. (Source: Getty Images)

As of early November, over 500 applications have been submitted to the Ukrainian Legion in Poland from citizens living in 30 different countries.

According to Ukrinform, representatives of the recruitment center operating under the Ukrainian Consulate in Lublin since early October, the center has received a substantial number of applications within its first month of operation. They noted that while not all applicants may ultimately sign contracts with the Ukrainian Armed Forces (UAF), the initial response is considered promising.

The majority of applications have come from Ukrainians residing in Poland and the Czech Republic, although there are also submissions from as far away as the United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada, and the United States.

The recruitment center highlighted that approximately 90% of the applicants are men, while 10% are women. Age-wise, about half of the applications have been submitted by individuals under 25 years old.

In terms of military specialties, younger candidates are typically drawn to roles in assault units or as drone operators, while older applicants often gravitate toward positions that leverage their civilian skills, such as logistics and supply roles. The recruitment center noted the diverse backgrounds of applicants, including students willing to pause their studies to serve and experienced workers from fields like construction and truck driving.

Women tend to show interest in medical roles, though some have also inquired about sniper positions. The recruitment center emphasized that there are no restrictions on military specialization choices. It was also noted that around 80% of applicants lack prior military experience, including compulsory service in the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

The decision to establish the Ukrainian Legion was announced following the signing of a security agreement between Ukraine and Poland on July 8 in Warsaw.

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