Foreign volunteers from over 50 countries are serving in the Ukrainian Armed Forces: details from the International Legion of the Main Intelligence Directorate

Citizens from more than 50 countries serve in the Ukrainian Armed Forces. According to the International Legion of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense, most of the soldiers in the unit are foreigners, and recruitment takes place through social networks and recommendations. Find out where the volunteers come from and why they decide to fight for Ukraine

Insurance covering the risk of war for safe entry and stay in Ukraine

BUY

Foreign volunteers continue to join the Ukrainian Armed Forces, supporting the country in its fight against Russian aggression. According to representatives of Ukrainian military units, a large international community of legionnaires has now formed, serving in various parts of the Ukrainian army.

As reported by Vladimir Kaminsky, representative of the International Legion of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, on Channel 24, volunteers from more than 50 countries are currently serving in the ranks of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

Among them are citizens of the United States, Great Britain, virtually all European countries, as well as Australia, New Zealand, and Latin American countries. These are military personnel with varying degrees of experience, ranging from veterans of their own countries' armies to volunteers with no previous service who are undergoing training in Ukraine.

How do foreigners join the Ukrainian army?

According to Kaminsky, foreigners serve in many different units of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. At the same time, a significant part of the military in the International Legion of the Main Intelligence Directorate are citizens of other countries.

Currently, about 70% of the unit's personnel are foreigners. The flow of volunteers continues even three years after the start of Russia's full-scale invasion.

According to the Legion's representative, the number of people willing to join the fight for Ukraine remains stable. Some soldiers are completing their service, others continue to fight, and new volunteers arrive regularly.

"There is a steady stream of people willing to join. Some are completing their service; others, unfortunately, do not return from the battlefield. But there is no decrease in the number of people willing to join. We are gradually growing. It is not the pace of growth we would like to see, but the unit is growing," Kaminsky noted.

Don't want to miss important updates and useful articles? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter!

How is recruitment carried out?

Due to legal restrictions, Ukraine is unable to open official volunteer recruitment centers abroad. That is why the recruitment of foreigners takes place mainly online.

The most effective channels for attracting volunteers remain:

social networks, where information about the possibility of service is disseminated;

recommendations from friends and comrades — the so-called “word of mouth.”

Thanks to this, people from different continents who have decided to support the country in the war continue to come to Ukraine.

Experts note that international volunteers play an important role not only in military operations but also in strengthening global support for Ukraine, demonstrating the solidarity of the world community in the struggle for freedom and security.

Staying in Ukraine requires a responsible approach to safety!

Regardless of your status in the country, it is important to take care of financial protection in case of unforeseen circumstances. The Visit Ukraine portal offers insurance covering the risks of war, which ensures safety during your stay and travel in Ukraine.

Take out insurance and get reliable protection in any situation.

Reminder! Financial assistance remains an important form of support for military personnel in difficult life situations. Who is eligible for financial assistance in 2026, how much will be paid, and how to apply for it correctly — find out more at the link.

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

We recommend purchasing it for a safe and comfortable trip to Ukraine: 

Visit Ukraine Insurance – insurance covering military risks for entry and travel in Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Car Insurance – car insurance with extended coverage in Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Legal Advice – comprehensive legal support on entry to Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Tickets – bus and train tickets to/from Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Tours – the largest online database of tours to Ukraine for every taste;

Visit Ukraine Hotels – hotels for a comfortable stay in Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Merch – patriotic clothing and accessories with worldwide delivery.

© 2018-2026, Visit Ukraine. Use, copying or reprinting of materials on this site is permitted only with a link (hyperlink for online publications) to Visit Ukraine.

All rights reserved.