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Zelenskyy Signs Law Allowing Foreigners to Serve as Officers in the Ukrainian Armed Forces

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Ivan_khomenko
Ivan Khomenko
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Zelenskyy Signs Law Allowing Foreigners to Serve as Officers in the Ukrainian Armed Forces
A member of the International Legion in the Ukrainian Armed Forces participates in a military training exercise outside Kyiv on October 24, 2023. (Source: Getty Images)

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has signed a law enabling foreigners and stateless individuals to hold officer positions within the Ukrainian Armed Forces (UAF).

This legislation, identified as Bill No. 12023, was signed on October 25, following its approval by the Verkhovna Rada (Ukrainian Parliament) on October 10.

Previously, foreign nationals were restricted to serving only in private and sergeant ranks. The explanatory note accompanying the bill highlights the necessity for legislative changes due to the challenging operational situation on the front lines, which demands a significant increase in the size of the UAF and other military formations.

The new law allows foreign individuals to sign contracts with the UAF, the State Special Transport Service, and the National Guard, permitting them to serve in officer roles.

Furthermore, the legislation proposes the establishment of a recruitment center for foreigners, where candidates will undergo thorough verification processes. This vetting will determine whether individuals reside in Ukraine legally, if they have any administrative or criminal records under Ukrainian law, and whether they are connected to foreign intelligence or sabotage activities targeting Ukraine.

In August 2024, the Ukrainian Parliament also passed legislation granting foreign fighters in Ukraine the opportunity to acquire Ukrainian citizenship.

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