The International Legion: How and why are foreigners fighting for Ukraine?

It is not only Ukrainians who are fighting for the freedom and independence of our country. Thousands of foreigners are fighting side by side with our compatriots on the battlefield for the freedom of the democratic world. Learn more about why foreign citizens are fighting for Ukraine and how you can join the International Legion

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Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, thousands of foreigners have joined the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. All of them are defending the territory of our country, supporting the struggle for freedom of the democratic world. What made people from different parts of the world to exchange home comfort for trenches and shelling? We will tell you in a new article.

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What motivates foreigners to join the defense of Ukraine?

Currently, several foreign units are fighting on the side of Ukraine against the occupier. These are completely different people from different parts of the world, with and without combat experience. 

For example, according to a story shared on the official website of the International Legion of Ukraine, Rostyslav Fedorko came to the capital in 2013 to study at a university. Later, he became an active participant in the Revolution of Dignity and began fighting for Ukraine in a non-military way. Volunteering during the ATO became a logical continuation of his life. 

The full-scale invasion forced Rostyslav to make a difficult choice: “For some 20 seconds, I was very scared. I just realized that if I went further, let's say, down the road of war, participation in this war, I could face death, injury. I asked God for courage, prayed in my mind, and the fear disappeared. And we immediately began to act: we gathered with friends at first at our home, and from there we went to organize resistance. We received the first people, received the first weapons, formed units in coordination with representatives of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.”

During the defense of the Kyiv region, Rostyslav Fedorko showed extraordinary dedication, efficiency and responsibility. There were many foreigners in his volunteer unit. Since Rostyslav spoke English well, he served as an interpreter. However, even this was not enough for the hero, he was looking for opportunities to return to participate in this war. In 2023, he joined the International Legion.

What impressed Rostyslav most about his military service was the people: “In general, the relationships in the unit are ethical. A stable system of common rules has been formed between people of completely different cultures, where everyone respects the personal boundaries of others. There are no unsolvable conflicts, everyone is tolerant of each other, realizing that it is necessary for understanding, efficiency and achieving a common goal. War is a special extreme situation, and people's characters also especially manifest themselves.”

Representatives of about 30 countries serve in Rostyslav's unit. He recalls his comrades from Ireland, Brazil, Japan, Britain, New Zealand, Colombia and other countries. Rostyslav's real family made up of the best personalities from all over the world, performs combat missions on the contact line. The International Defense Legion of Ukraine is holding back the most dangerous threat to modern humanity! 

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How can foreigners join the International Legion?

To apply for membership in the International Legion of Ukraine, a candidate needs to follow a few basic steps. First, you need to download and fill out a special form available on the Legion's official website. Next, you should prepare the necessary documents: a scanned copy of your passport and, if available, proof of military or combat experience. After that, all documents along with the completed application form should be sent to the Legion's official email address.

To be accepted into the Legion, a candidate must meet certain criteria. The main requirements include being between the ages of 18 and 60, having no criminal record and no serious chronic diseases. Physical fitness is also important, as members will have to perform combat missions in difficult conditions. Candidates must be able to enter Ukraine legally, taking care of visa issues on their own.

Military or combat experience is an advantage in the selection process, but it is not required. Even without prior service, candidates can join the Legion and receive appropriate training to participate in the defense of Ukraine.

In our previous article, we provided detailed instructions on how to join the International Legion.

Despite all the dangers of war, foreign nationals continue to bravely and faithfully defend our independence alongside their Ukrainian counterparts. Their contribution to our war is invaluable, as all efforts bring Ukraine's victory closer. Join the brave!

Thank you to our defenders!

We remind you! The International Legion of Ukraine is actively expanding its ranks and providing an opportunity to join to Spanish-speaking foreigners who feel an inner calling to join the defenders of freedom and independence. Read more about how to apply for membership.

Want to know more? Read the latest news and useful materials about Ukraine and the world in the News section.

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