Support for Ukraine
After Russia carried out a large-scale military invasion of Ukraine on February 24 and from the first days began to strike at civilians and infrastructure, the Ukrainian state called on foreigners to join the fight for peace and democracy in Europe and around the world.
Ukraine created the International Legion (official website https://fightforua.org/) of territorial defense consisting of citizens of foreign countries who want to help Ukrainian soldiers in the fight against Russian occupiers.
On March 1, a visa-free regime was temporarily introduced for foreigners who want to join the defense of Ukraine (except for citizens of the aggressor state).
How to join the International Legion
- In particular, in order to join the ranks of the International Legion of Defense of Ukraine, you need to contact the Embassy of Ukraine (see the list of diplomatic missions of Ukraine in the world) in your country with the appropriate intention and clarify what documents and clothing (equipment) are required or recommended.
- Then you need to pass an interview at the Embassy with the Defense Attaché and apply for a visa with the Consul. Then an application for conscription to the Armed Forces of Ukraine for voluntary military service under the contract is submitted.
- After that, the legionnaire will receive instructions on traveling in Ukraine, the necessary documents and equipment. It is recommended, if available, to take a military kit, such as clothing or its elements, equipment, helmet, body armor, etc.
If necessary, representatives of the embassies and consulates of Ukraine will provide assistance on the way.
- Arriving at the assembly point in Ukraine, the legionnaire signs a contract and joins the International Legion of Defense of Ukraine. After that, he is ready to join the battle against the invaders together with fighters from all over the world and Ukrainian soldiers.
There are three ways to apply for membership in the International Legion:
1) come to the Embassy physically;
2) Call a special call center by phone (+380443395987; +380800507028);
3) Send an e-mail ([email protected]).
List of the main documents required to join the ranks of the International Legion:
- internal document;
- passport for traveling abroad;
- documents confirming military service (service in law enforcement agencies) and participation in hostilities.
In accordance with the Law of Ukraine "On the Legal Status of Foreigners and Stateless Persons", foreigners and stateless persons who arrived in Ukraine to work as correspondents or representatives of foreign mass media and received a temporary residence permit are considered to be legally staying in Ukraine for the period of work in Ukraine.
For the period of martial law and within 30 days after its cancellation or termination in Ukraine, foreign journalists accredited for the period of martial law will be able to work without extending the validity of a temporary residence permit in Ukraine after its expiration. Restrictions on the period of stay in Ukraine will not be applied to journalists.
The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine will inform the Administration of the State Border Guard Service and the State Migration Service about the accredited media representatives.
This decision was made due to the need to simplify the activities of foreign journalists to comprehensively cover the war in Ukraine.
Law on compulsory life and health insurance for foreign journalists
The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine has adopted a draft law on providing additional security guarantees for foreign journalists working in Ukraine in the areas of hostilities or in the temporarily occupied territories.
The draft law provides for mandatory insurance of life and health of foreign journalists and other media workers (e.g. cameramen, drivers, etc.) for the period of their work in the areas of military (combat) operations and/or in the temporarily occupied territory of Ukraine.
Secondly, media workers who work in conditions hazardous to life and health must be provided by their employers with appropriate means of protection, namely: bulletproof vests, helmets that would protect them from firearms and shrapnel injuries, as well as medical kits.
It should be noted that prior to the adoption of this draft law, the media provided their employees only with relevant documents and signal identification means.
Thirdly, in case of injury (contusion, trauma or mutilation) caused to a journalist during the performance of his professional duties, he is paid from the state budget a one-time financial assistance of 50 subsistence minimums, which is 130 thousand hryvnias.