Foreign Volunteers To Be Enlisted in Armed Forces of Ukraine Under New Mechanism

Ukraine’s government has approved new procedures for foreign volunteers to join the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

This was announced by Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko.

According to her, the new mechanism provides a clear and transparent process for candidates, from their arrival in Ukraine to signing a military service contract.

“This is a clear and transparent mechanism — from traveling to Ukraine to signing a military service contract,” Svyrydenko emphasized.

Candidates will be assisted at every stage by companies included on a special list maintained by the Center for the Recruitment of Foreigners and Stateless Persons.

To be included on this list, companies must submit an application and a package of required documents. Only organizations that meet the established requirements and have paid a security deposit of UAH 5 million will be eligible for inclusion in the registry.

According to Svyrydenko, this deposit serves as an insurance mechanism in the event that a company violates the terms of the agreement. Additionally, before being added to the registry, companies will be screened to ensure they are not subject to sanctions and have no ties to the aggressor state. Decisions on inclusion in the list will be made within ten business days.

After passing the review, companies will be authorized to invite candidates, collect the necessary documents, and submit them to the Recruitment Center for approval.

The companies will also assist with document preparation, insurance, and logistics for foreign volunteers and stateless persons, as well as provide housing and meals until the contract is signed.

The cost of these services will be UAH 300,000 per candidate. Payments will be made in installments to minimize potential abuse.

The companies will be responsible for ensuring the legality of all procedures and the authenticity of documents. If a candidate fails the military medical examination or refuses to sign the contract, the company will arrange for his or her return to the country of origin at its own expense. She also noted that the government views the recruitment of foreign volunteers as one of the priority areas for strengthening the Armed Forces of Ukraine.