The justice minister did note, however, that rules exist according to which if someone joins another country's military to fight, then they should inform the state and be granted specific permission to do so. [220], The Government of Ukraine stated on 4 March 2022 that "some Portuguese" were already fighting in the International Legion of Territorial Defence. Chaparro's unit has helped donating food, water, commodities and fuel to civilians affected by Russian bombings. However, attempting to recruit a German citizen into foreign military service is illegal. In March 2022, Ministry of the Interior spokesman Harald Srs confirmed that the government intends to prosecute any violators of the law. Georgia discourages its citizens from enlisting. Kuleba withheld further demographic details, because several nations forbid their citizens from fighting for foreign governments. People were asked not to bring their own weapons to Ukraine. The United States Department of State issued a travel advisory formally advising all Americans not to travel to Ukraine. Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has created "The International Legion of Territorial Defense of Ukraine." Ukraine general vows to keep battling Russia as call goes out for foreign fighters. "Based on Estonian laws, nobody can be punished as soon as they go to serve a foreign country," Lauri said. Ukrainian foreign military unit formed in 2022, Emblem of the International Legion of Territorial Defence of Ukraine, International Legion of Territorial Defence of Ukraine, Government acknowledgment of nationals serving in the International Legion, Summary of official international government responses. In March 2022, Serbian president Aleksandar Vui said "As for volunteers, since both sides have called for volunteers, the Serbian criminal code and we will amend it to be stricter outlaws participation in any conflicts that do not defend Serbia's territorial integrity," and "Any of those who think they should take part in some war, we will punish severely in accordance with our constitution and our laws. El Espectador managed to get in touch with one of the former Colombian soldiers, identified as Camilo Snchez, who said in the interview he and the group of ex-soldiers had contacted a Ukrainian military official to enlist. [37], The Prime Minister of Moldova, Natalia Gavrilia, was asked during a press conference on 28 February 2022 whether citizens of Moldova can join the International Legion. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba claimed that by 6 March 2022 more than 20,000 volunteers from 52 countries had enlisted to fight for Ukraine; several thousand more reportedly joined after the announcement. [26], The criteria listed for joining included having prior military or medical experience and submitting documents as proof of military service to the Ministry of Defense official at the Ukrainian embassy. Late last month, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy created "The International Legion of Territorial Defense of Ukraine," as a global appeal for foreigners to come to the aid of his country. On the fourth day after Russia's February 24 armed attack and invasion of Ukraine, President Zelensky made a call for foreigners wishing to defend Ukraine to join the International Legion of Territorial Defense (ILTG), inviting individuals to contact foreign diplomatic missions of Ukraine in their respective countries (you could sign up here). [59], As of July 2022, an ex-Sri Lankan commando known as Dentist has been deployed to the field in Kharkiv. In Ukrainian publics, a video is distributed, on Now, following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24, some U.S. military veterans eager for a war with what they see as a righteous cause have pledged to come to Ukraine's defense. February 27, 2022, the president of Ukraine called the foreigners wishing to stand for the defense of the world's security, to join the special unit of the International Legion of territorial defense. [227], The Republic of Korea Marine Corps reported on 22 March 2022 that a Marine from the 1st Marine Division deserted from his unit and traveled to Ukraine to fight with the Legion. Please help update this article to reflect recent events or newly available information. Italian law does not forbid enlistment in a foreign army, although there are provisions banning the organisation of said enlistment, as well as mercenaries. Later that evening, Ukraine's Minster of Foreign Affairs, Dmytro Kuleba, tweeted that Ukraine had officially formed the International Legion of [the] Territorial Defense of Ukraine. It was subsequently reported on 23 March that "more than half" of the 18 had returned to Belgium, either to convalesce after the Yavoriv bombing or as a result of dissatisfaction with their conditions of service. [251], On 2 November, a 25-year-old Taiwanese indigenous veteran Tseng, Sheng-guang (Chinese: ) serving in Carpathian Sich Battalion, was reported as the first East Asian soldier killed in action in the war,[252][253] after covering 3 colleagues to retreat under a tank siege during the eastern Ukraine campaign in Luhansk Oblast. [142], Prior to the formation of International Legion, Balkan Insight reported that 2030 Croatians joined the Ukrainian Azov Battalion to fight in the War in the Donbas in 20142015. [115], It was subsequently reported that two Belgians had been immediately despatched to the front-line while the remainder had been concentrated at Yavoriv military base at the time of its bombing on 13 March. "[259] However, then prime minister Boris Johnson's office did not endorse Truss's statement. Ukrainians are returning to their country, answering the call to come and fight. American law prohibits "a group organized as a military expedition from departing from the United States to take action as a military force against a nation with whom the United States is at peace", but does not "prevent individuals from leaving the United States to fight for a cause in which they believed.". However, it may be legal for Dutch civilians to join the International Legion. By this date, nine had returned home and two had apparently been killed in action. [64], On 28 February, it was reported by Dnevnik.hr and Balkan Insight that Croatian fighters were already in Ukraine and more were intending to join them. Regrouping veterans from Canada, United Kingdom, United States, Denmark, Norway, Germany, Australia, New Zealand, France, South Africa and Poland. [131] A second formation of Canadian and British volunteers was formed under the name Norman Brigade. [215], On 7 March 2022, Nigeria's Ministry of Foreign Affairs declared that Nigerian citizens are not allowed to serve as mercenaries or foreign volunteers for Ukraine. [44], In early March 2022, the Algerian government called on Ukraine to not enlist fighters from their country. Foreign nationals who have legally resided in Ukraine for at least five years are also welcomed. [6], Under the order by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the unit was created to join the defence against the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, and its formation was announced in a statement by the Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba on 27 February, three days after the invasion began. [260] The statement was also criticized by several politicians who said volunteers may be in violation of the Foreign Enlistment Act 1870. "Pewnie si stykniemy, przyjdzie nasz czas", "Navy SEAL Deserter Killed During Intense Ukraine Battle", "American medic Pete Reed killed in Ukraine while evacuating citizens", "American veteran killed in Ukraine wanted to 'make a difference,' father says", "Azerbaijani sniper killed in Ukraine laid to rest in Goranboy-PHOTO-UPDATED", "M2 CHANNEL TV PRESENTER KARIM GULAMOV KILLED IN ACTION", "ran dronlar il hcumda azrbaycanl hlak oldu", " ", "Scott Sibley: Tributes to former British soldier killed in Ukraine - and second Briton missing", "Eighth British national dies in Ukraine war", "Ukraine: Family tribute to Glasgow man who 'died as a hero', "Nie yje polski zawodnik MMA. Heroes who decided to protect Ukraine. Any Spaniard who is neither a soldier nor a member of the. Andr Hack Bahi was killed on June 4 while helping fellow volunteers escape during fighting in the Luhansk region. [197], Kosovar law bars participation in foreign armed groups. [103] On 22 March, it was reported that an unknown number of Argentinians have signed up to join. Receive . "[189], As of 2 March 2022, 70 Japanese men have applied to be volunteers of the volunteer foreign legion. In response, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky denounced the Georgian government's "immoral position" and has recalled Ukraine's ambassador to Georgia. Croatia allows participation in the war on the condition that the constitutional order of that country is not violated, its territorial integrity is undermined and mercenary is not involved. Long commitments were the norm during the Spanish Civil War for the International Brigades (See Orwell, Homage to Catalonia). It was created on 27 February 2022 by the Ukrainian government at the request of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to fight against the Russian invasion of the country. This is not applicable if the State of Israel has an agreement with the foreign country in question. [190] It was reported that an unnamed company in Tokyo assisted the Embassy in recruiting potential candidates. It is illegal for Swiss citizens to enlist in the International Legion under Swiss law. The Secret Weapons of Ukraine. [243], On 22 March, a Taiwanese Amis volunteer named Wang Jui-ti traveled to Helsinki to hand his application to join the Legion. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said earlier . [70], Herv Grandjean, a spokesperson for France's Ministry for the Armed Forces, said individual volunteers could be "integrated in a body of Ukrainian volunteers" and "we cannot prevent them from leaving, (but) nor can we sanction that type of project." [241], The first photo distributed by Ukraine of the International Legion reportedly showed Swedish volunteers.[37]. [173], The first photo of International Legion distributed by Ukraine reportedly showed an Indian volunteer. [37], On August 15, 2022, three captured British citizens, two International Legion volunteers and an aid worker, pleaded not guilty to charges of fighting as mercenaries in a court in the Donetsk People's Republic. He did not mention the home countries of the volunteers, saying that some of the countries forbid their citizens from fighting for other countries. [186][187], On September 20, 2022, Benjamin Giorgio Galli, an Italian volunteer was killed in combat against Russian troops. However, as of 10 March, only 100 were approved to join. [195], On 11 November, Tokyo has confirmed that a Japanese volunteer was killed fighting Russian troops,[196] in only days after mourning his Taiwanese comrade's death in the Luhansk front. [217], On 8 March 2022 the Ukrainian Embassy posted an appeal on social media for volunteers to join the International legion. On 1 March, a new batch of volunteers was to fly to Ukraine but the Georgian government canceled their flight. Dmytro Kuleba (@DmytroKuleba) February 27, 2022 These men and women are so brave and provide a huge service to the Ukranian army with their . [232][233], On 30 March, Ken Rhee mentioned that he's involved in creating volunteer-based special forces units in cooperation with the Ukrainian military. [91], Some Slovakian citizens have indicated they want to go fight in the International Legion, according to Minister of Defense Jaroslav Na. Several soldiers of the International Legion in Ukraine have been killed at the hands of the invaders and some have been captured but the Russian Federation exaggerates the number of dead, spreading fake news. Unofficially part of Ukrainian Foreign Legion. "A group of Georgian volunteers arrived in Ukraine to help the wounded in Ukraine and, if necessary, to take part in hostilities. The costs are up to US$1,5 thousand per person, including air tickets and documentation. [134] A famous former Royal 22nd Regiment sniper nicknamed "Wali" from Montreal, called the deadliest sniper in the world after he reportedly eliminated 40 people a day as a sniper in Syria, Afghanistan and Iraq, also arrived in Ukraine to join the fight against Russia. [191], On 16 March, CNN Turkey reported that three Japanese nationals with military experience were allowed to enter Ukraine. Il padre: "Mio figlio eroe di guerra", "Primul japonez ucis in lupta pe frontul din Ucraina. [198][199], On 8 March 2022, member of the Saeima Juris Juras[lv] of the New Conservative Party volunteered to fight with fellow Latvians in Ukraine. Finland discourages its citizens from enlisting. The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, said on Sunday the country is establishing an "international" legion for foreign volunteers who want to fight for the nation, according to Reuters . [23], Other commentators have criticized this comparison. This week Ukraine appealed for foreign fighters to come join their efforts to stop Russia's invasion. She also said the embassy in Pretoria had received hundreds of requests to volunteer from people from across the region, including Madagascar, Mauritius, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Zambia, and Botswana.[93]. And security of "sources and methods" is always a concern. Iron Navy has been active in Ukraine since the Russian invasion in February 2022 . . ", "Meet the Foreign Volunteers Risking Their Lives to Defend Ukraineand Europe", "Volunteers from Belgium sign up for Ukraine's foreign legion", "Sign Me Up for Ukraine Fight: Not So Fast, Say SE Asia Govts", "Canadian troops ordered to stay away as foreign fighters flock to Ukraine", "Foreign Fighters In Ukraine: Is It Legal? ", "Neutral Austria Says Citizens Who Fight For Ukraine Will Lose Their Passports And Become Stateless: Various countries, including the U.S. and U.K., support Ukraine, but discourage citizens from traveling there to fight", "Svetlana Tikhanovskaya: Is the fate of Belarus tied to the fate of Ukraine? [276] The Neutrality Act of 1794, a federal law whose provisions remains in effect as of March 2022, prohibits United States citizens from taking up arms while on US territory against any country at peace with the United States. Critics have also highlighted differences in the makeup of the two international units: Volunteers to Spain generally lacked military experience, while those to Ukraine tend to have prior military experience. [240], On 7 March 2022, Time reported Spanish nationals had enlisted at the Ukrainian consulate in Barcelona. "[99][243], Due to the lack of formal diplomatic relations between Ukraine and Taiwan, no diplomatic missions were established in either side. [202], The first photo distributed by Ukraine of the International Legion reportedly showed Mexican volunteers. [122], As of July 6, three Brazilian volunteers were killed fighting in Ukraine. There's always a lot of gray areas in war. The units and their respective nationalities have been reported as being part of the International Legion: A Special Forces wing, known as the Legionnaires Special Service Group (LSSG), is made of foreign fighters and was initiated by the Ukrainian Defense Ministry's intelligence directorate (GUR). A month into President Vladimir Putin's full-scale assault on Ukraine, fighting groups made up of veterans from abroad are seeing combat. [55] It has been reported that an unknown number of Nigerians wish to join the legion in Ukraine. [104], On 28 February 2022, when asked about Australians volunteering for Ukraine, the Prime Minister of Australia Scott Morrison told reporters "I would counsel against that purely for the safety of Australians that they would not travel to Ukraine," and "I would say at this time the legality of such actions are uncertain under Australian law. Ukraine has already established a battalion of Georgian fighters called the Georgian Legion since the War in Donbass, but new volunteers would be stationed in the newly formed International Legion of Territorial Defense of Ukraine. However, no indication of the number of casualties has been given. [119] One of the two was a 27-year old Belgian Ukrainian called Artem Dymyd from Charleroi who had enlisted in the Ukrainian Army in 2014 and who was killed by rocket fire in Donetsk. Operations use small groups, who go into and out of enemy territory clandestinely through jungle routes and seek their targets. [208], The first official Dutch casualty of the war perished on May 4, 2022. Together we defeated Hitler, and we will defeat Putin, too. According to the Ukrainian embassy's national coordinator for the International Legion, Gert Snitselaar, 40 volunteers have departed the Netherlands for Ukraine. 2 min read. [131] Due to a high number of Canadian volunteers, a separate Canadian battalion within the Legion, the Canadian Ukrainian Brigade, was established to avoid language barriers and logistics issues. Ukraine must feel good that so many people came from all over the world to fight with them. Your Army. [107] The battalion eventually grew to a regiment of over 1000 volunteers. President Volodymyr Zelensky said in his address that early on February 24, 2022, Russia launched a new military operation against . Belgium discourages its citizens from enlisting. [35], The first photo distributed by the Ukrainian armed forces of the International Legion included members from the United Kingdom,[36][failed verification] Mexico, the United States, India, Sweden, and Lithuania. There are no legal barriers to Swedish citizens volunteering in another country's military. He is certain Dutch citizens have perished during the fighting. [59] The first contingent of seven volunteers left Belgium for Ukraine on 4 March and included two Belgian Turks and a Belgian veteran of the Afghanistan War as well as Eastern European immigrants. [257], Turkey does not have a law that bars foreign fighters, but frequently prosecutes them upon return to Turkey for violating criminal or anti-terror laws.